The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting IBS clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service, and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that it was aggravated by service. Therefore, service connection for IBS is not established.
The deciding factor: The Veteran entered active duty with a preexisting condition of IBS, which he had experienced for at least five years prior to his military service. The VA examiner concluded that the IBS clearly and unmistakably existed before service and was not aggravated by service.
- Claimed conditions
- IBS
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 22, 2014
- Citation
- 1456160
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 1456160.
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: Granted
A 30 percent rating for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted, and service connection for hypertension is denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as there is no current diagnosis of IBS or symptoms at any time during the pendency of the claim.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's IBS and obstructive sleep apnea are granted as service connected, with the latter condition likely originating during active service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination reports and internal inconsistencies in the previous VA examinations. The Veteran's gastrointestinal symptoms, including IBS, constipation, diarrhea, and hemorrhoids, need further evaluation.
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