Severe; diarrhea, or alternating diarrhea and constipation, with more
or less constant abdominal distress..................................................................... 30
Moderate; frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal
distress............................................................................................................ 10
Mild, disturbances of bowel function with occasional episodes of
abdominal distress.............................................................................................. 0
After waiting months I was rated at 0%. Here is what I received:
1. We have assigned a noncompensable evaluation for your irritable bowel syndrome based on: Alternating diarrhea and constipation; Diarrhea; Frequent episodes of bowel disturbance.
2. A higher evaluation of 10 percent is not warranted for irritable bowel syndrome unless the evidence shows moderate symptoms demonstrated by frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal distress.
I have most of the language of 30% and some of the language of 10% but was ultimately rated at 0%. I don't understand. Am I correct in saying that the 0% establishes my service connection? If that is correct, then do I need a doctor to be more clear about my level of IBS (which would be in the 30% category). My DAV representative says I need to go to a civilian doctor and get him to write a nexus statement and have him write out my symptoms to clearly show that I am at 30%. However, I don't think the nexus statement is needed unless I misunderstand what it is for. Isn't a nexus statement used to connect a current diagnosis with military service? If that is correct, then why would he recommend a nexus statement as the 0% rating should already establish service connection.
Anyway, I know that is a lot to take in, but I'm just now trying to figure out how all of this works. If anyone with experience has suggestions on how I should proceed it would be greatly (and I mean greatly) appreciated.
Question
wrldtravlr
I'm a Gulf War veteran and I applied for disability for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The rating schedule is as follows:
7319 Irritable colon syndrome (spastic colitis, mucous colitis, irritable bowel, etc.):
After waiting months I was rated at 0%. Here is what I received:
1. We have assigned a noncompensable evaluation for your irritable bowel syndrome based on: Alternating diarrhea and constipation; Diarrhea; Frequent episodes of bowel disturbance.
2. A higher evaluation of 10 percent is not warranted for irritable bowel syndrome unless the evidence shows moderate symptoms demonstrated by frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal distress.
I have most of the language of 30% and some of the language of 10% but was ultimately rated at 0%. I don't understand. Am I correct in saying that the 0% establishes my service connection? If that is correct, then do I need a doctor to be more clear about my level of IBS (which would be in the 30% category). My DAV representative says I need to go to a civilian doctor and get him to write a nexus statement and have him write out my symptoms to clearly show that I am at 30%. However, I don't think the nexus statement is needed unless I misunderstand what it is for. Isn't a nexus statement used to connect a current diagnosis with military service? If that is correct, then why would he recommend a nexus statement as the 0% rating should already establish service connection.
Anyway, I know that is a lot to take in, but I'm just now trying to figure out how all of this works. If anyone with experience has suggestions on how I should proceed it would be greatly (and I mean greatly) appreciated.
Thank you,
JT (U.S. Army 1984-2004)
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Vync
Welcome to Hadit! Hey JT, You'll find that the VA often screws up initial ratings. The majority of veterans have had to file a notice of disagreement (NOD) to get rated correctly. A "nexus
Gastone
We need to see a redacted copy of your C & P DBQ. Was the Dr a Gastroenterologist? Do you have SMR's, Private Dr or VA Clinician Notes indicating the severity of your condition? Something tha
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