The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder and a skin disorder other than pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service or an undiagnosed illness, and that any symptoms were not at least as likely as not related to in-service exposures.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder not related to his service-connected psychiatric disorders and concluded that his skin condition was unrelated to service. The Board gave more weight to these opinions due to their probative value based on medical training and expertise.
- Claimed conditions
- gastrointestinal disorder, skin disorder other than PFB
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 15, 2020
- Citation
- 20026003
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 20026003.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for mental depression/anxiety, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and gastrointestinal disorder are remanded due to the need for VA examinations and an adequate medical opinion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new medical opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's gastrointestinal or esophageal disability was caused or aggravated by service or any related conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a duty to assist error. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder claim will be reconsidered with the inclusion of all relevant private medical records.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including irritable bowel syndrome and a stomach condition, is granted as service connected. The Board found that the symptoms began in service and are related to service.
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