The Veteran's claim for a maximum 30 percent rating for his undiagnosed illness manifested by diarrhea has been granted. The issue of entitlement to a separate disability rating for impairment of sphincter control associated with an undiagnosed illness is remanded, as well as the claims for TDIU and SMC.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's undiagnosed illness was found to more nearly approximate severe diarrhea with more or less constant abdominal distress, warranting a maximum 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7319. The remand is necessary to determine the severity of his bowel incontinence and/or leakage for proper application of Diagnostic Code 7332.
- Claimed conditions
- undiagnosed illness manifested by diarrhea
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 20, 2023
- Citation
- 23003644
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 23003644.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left hip disability, fatigue, diarrhea, and joint pain. The decision found no left hip disability during the pendency of the claim, and the criteria for an increased rating were not met for the undiagnosed illnesses.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and opinions regarding his employability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) and other applicable laws, regulations, and VA guidance. The claims are being remanded for further action.
- Granted
The Board finds that the veteran's undiagnosed illness manifested by diarrhea, dizziness and disequilibrium, headaches, and muscle and joint pain had its onset in service during his Gulf War deployment. Service connection is granted for these symptoms.
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