Allergic rhinitis and multiple joint pains (fibromyalgia) are granted. Service connection for lower back disability is reopened, but denied. Service connection for sarcoidosis and gastrointestinal disorder (IBS) as due to Gulf War illness are remanded.,PTSD rating in excess of 30 percent is remanded, as well as ratings for external hemorrhoids and sleep apnea.
The deciding factor: The Veteran provided new evidence that supports his claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis and multiple joint pains (fibromyalgia). Service connection for lower back disability was reopened but denied. The issues of sarcoidosis and gastrointestinal disorder (IBS) as due to Gulf War illness are remanded.
- Claimed conditions
- Allergic rhinitis, Multiple joint pains (claimed as fibromyalgia), Sarcoidosis, Gastrointestinal disorder (claimed as irritable bowel syndrome), Sleep apnea, Left ear hearing loss disability, Right ear hearing loss, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), External hemorrhoids
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 22, 2018
- Citation
- 18128691
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 18128691.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
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 remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) due to insufficient evidence of record. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if his conditions are related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error and remands the case for further development. The Veteran contends his allergic rhinitis began during service, but VA medical opinions have found no link between his current condition and service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hammer toes, hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral kidney cysts, rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.
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