The Veteran's small bowel obstruction with exploratory laparoscopy and lysis of adhesions is granted an initial disability rating of 50 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) has been dismissed.
The deciding factor: The evidence was at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran had severe adhesions of the peritoneum with definite partial obstruction, frequent and prolonged episodes of severe colic distention, nausea, or vomiting following operations with drainage.
- Claimed conditions
- Small bowel obstruction, Peritoneal adhesions
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- February 1, 2023
- Citation
- 23006484
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 23006484.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of her small bowel obstruction with colon polyps secondary to scar tissue status post hysterectomy was granted. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety, is remanded due to the lack of a VA examination or medical opinion addressing this claim.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings was denied, and the Board found that a disability rating in excess of 50 percent is not warranted for peritoneal adhesions with small and large bowel/intestine obstruction and resection. A separate 30 percent rating for fecal incontinence associated with this condition is granted. The Veteran's abdominal scar residuals are rated at 20 percent from October 17, 2018 to December 29, 2023.
- Granted
Service connection is granted for bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy, peritoneal adhesions, and chronic kidney disease stage 2. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral inguinal hernia, hiatal hernia, and small bowel resection are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal involves his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. §1151 due to medical care provided by the VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas from September 2011 to March 2013. The Board has determined that further development is necessary and a new examination is required.
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