The Veteran's claims for hypertension, functional bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction (secondary to service-connected disability), and acid reflux have been partially granted. The claim for hypertension was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. Claims for higher ratings for functional bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids were denied as they do not meet the schedular criteria. Service connection for tinnitus and acid reflux has been established, but erectile dysfunction secondary to service-connected disability remains unresolved.
The deciding factor: The Veteran submitted updates to his VA treatment records which did not relate to the issue of whether his hypertension was related to active service or medications taken for a different condition (functional bowel syndrome). The evidence regarding functional bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids did not show symptoms that exceeded those contemplated by the applicable rating criteria. Service connection for tinnitus was established based on continuity of symptomatology, while acid reflux was found due to a history of gastritis during service. Erectile dysfunction secondary to service-connected disability remains unresolved as there is no in-service incident or diagnosis linked to it.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, functional bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, acid reflux
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 13, 2023
- Citation
- 23039015
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 23039015.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
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 for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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