The Veteran's service connection for headaches is granted as the current disability began during active service or is related to in-service injuries.,Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted as it is proximately due to or the result of the service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with depression.,The Veteran's substance abuse disorder, including alcohol abuse disorder, was not proximately due to or result of or aggravated by the service-connected PTSD with depression.
The deciding factor: The examiner noted that the Veteran's headaches began during active service and are related to in-service injuries.,The examiner stated there is a correlation between PTSD and IBS supported in the literature, concluding that the Veteran's current IBS is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected PTSD.,The VA medical opinion concluded that the Veteran's alcohol abuse disorder was less likely than not caused or aggravated beyond its natural progression by the service-connected PTSD with depression.
- Claimed conditions
- headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), substance abuse disorder, including alcohol abuse disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 30, 2022
- Citation
- 22066676
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 22066676.
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.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records and will provide a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.
- 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 claim for service connection for headaches was reopened due to new and material evidence, and the Board found that his current headaches are related to service. Service connection is granted.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.