The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her service-connected irritable bowel syndrome, currently rated at 30 percent. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed that the veteran's irritable bowel syndrome was manifested by alternating diarrhea and constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress but without excessive leakage, fairly frequent involuntary bowel movements, malnutrition, or health only fair during remissions.
- Claimed conditions
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 31, 2002
- Citation
- 0215419
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0215419.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and somatic symptom disorder, as well as presumptive service connection for basal cell carcinoma under the PACT Act. Service connection was denied for chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, right restless leg syndrome, left restless leg syndrome, an increased rating for psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, a left forehead surgical scar, and allergic rhinitis.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, and pain of cervical & cervicothoracic regions.
- Granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date of September 29, 2016 for the award of a 30 percent rating for irritable bowel syndrome.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted a 30 percent disability rating, but no higher. The claims for increased ratings and service connection for other conditions are denied.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.