The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of intestinal surgery, including abdominal adhesions and gall bladder removal; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); a disability of the anus and rectum; rating in excess of 40 percent for duodenal ulcer disease; and compensable rating for residual scar from post-vagotomy and pyloroplasty must be remanded due to incomplete STRs, need for additional medical opinions, and need for VA examinations.
The deciding factor: Incomplete service treatment records (STRs) were noted, and the Veteran's complete STRs have not been obtained. The Board also determined that new and material evidence is not needed for the issues of service connection for IBS and GERD, as they were previously denied based on negative VA nexus medical opinions. Therefore, additional development is required.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of intestinal surgery, abdominal adhesions, gall bladder removal, GERD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 28, 2021
- Citation
- 21077187
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 21077187.
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.
- 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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