The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a ruptured colon to include irritable bowel syndrome are granted with a disability rating of 30 percent, but no higher, for the period prior to November 26, 2012, and from February 1, 2013. The issue of an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent prior to September 4, 2009, from November 1, 2009 to March 4, 2010, and from May 1, 2010 for residuals of a left scapula fracture (left shoulder disability) is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a ruptured colon to include irritable bowel syndrome are manifested by severe symptoms including diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress, which meets the criteria for a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7319.
- Claimed conditions
- Ruptured colon, Irritable bowel syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 27, 2021
- Citation
- 21065895
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 21065895.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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 claims for service connection due to errors in the initial decision and a need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's gastrointestinal condition and right shoulder disability.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of irritable bowel syndrome (claimed as IBS-Gulf War Syndrome) due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The claim for tinnitus was granted.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC(t) prior to October 16, 2024 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a need for higher level aid and attendance before this date.,For the earlier effective dates of service connection for erectile dysfunction and grant of SMC(k), the claim was also denied as there was no factual basis to establish entitlement prior to April 27, 2022.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions leave her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
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