The Board has determined that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding whether the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis, is related to his service-connected left shoulder disability. As such, the benefit of doubt rule applies, and the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability is granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disability may be at least as likely as not caused by or a result of continued NSAID usage for his service-connected left shoulder disability. The opinions from both VA examiners support this conclusion, with one indicating an increased risk and the other noting exacerbation.
- Claimed conditions
- gastrointestinal disability, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colitis
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 5, 2014
- Citation
- 1405098
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 1405098.
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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.