The Veteran's skin condition and joint condition are not service connected. The Veteran's IBS is granted on a direct basis, as it had onset in service. GERD is also granted on a direct basis, as the Veteran reported symptoms since 1993.
The deciding factor: Service treatment records do not show any diagnosed skin or joint conditions during service. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's IBS was more likely related to depression and not an undiagnosed illness. GERD is granted on a direct basis as it had onset in service, with no evidence of being due to an undiagnosed illness.
- Claimed conditions
- Skin Condition, Joint Condition, IBS, GERD, Respiratory Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 6, 2010
- Citation
- 1045374
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1045374.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for skin condition.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA opinion and a need for further examination.
- Whole decision: Granted
A 30 percent rating for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted, and service connection for hypertension is denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is granted, and the appeal to restore a 40% rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc other than IVDS, central canal stenosis, and scoliosis prior to June 1, 2024 is dismissed.
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