The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracic and low back disability is related to his military service, granting service connection. The gastrointestinal disability claim was not supported by evidence of record, resulting in denial. The rating for hemorrhoids remains at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: Medical opinions were divided on whether the Veteran's current thoracic and low back disability was caused by his military service, with one private physician concluding it was likely related to service while another VA examiner found no evidence of such a connection in the Veteran's service record. The gastrointestinal disability claim was denied as there was insufficient evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracic and low back disability, gastrointestinal disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- August 2, 2010
- Citation
- 1028762
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 1028762.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a gastrointestinal disability due to procedural issues and will consider any additional evidence provided by the RO.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, and will consider whether the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability is related to his service or service-connected PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for gastrointestinal disability, left foot disability, and right foot disability due to deficiencies in the VA medical opinions provided. The appellant's lay statements will be considered along with the existing evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability may be related to service, including as due to an undiagnosed illness. However, a VA examination is needed to establish this relationship and correct any duty-to-assist error.
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