The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder is granted. For the entire appeal period, his IBS was rated at 10 percent and his low back strain with lumbar degenerative disc disease was rated as 10 percent prior to January 22, 2020, and 20 percent thereafter.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder is related to his military service. His IBS is moderate in nature with frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal distress. For the period on appeal prior to January 22, 2020, his low back strain with lumbar degenerative disc disease was manifested by painful, limited motion, but without more severe symptoms that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- unspecified depressive disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), low back strain with lumbar degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 21, 2021
- Citation
- 21024014
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 21024014.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as the evidence did not establish that he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for liver cancer and an increased rating for irritable bowel syndrome has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
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