The Board remands the issues of service connection for a psychiatric disability and a rating in excess of 30 percent for chronic and persistent ulcerative colitis due to the need for further development.
The deciding factor: Further VA psychiatric evaluation is needed as the February 2023 VA evaluation is of limited probative value, and there are deficiencies in the January 2011 VA gastrointestinal examination regarding the review of private medical records and addressing a January 2009 CT scan evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Psychiatric disability, Chronic and persistent ulcerative colitis
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 16, 2024
- Citation
- 24002267
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 granted an initial 100 percent rating for psychiatric disability and Meniere's disease, but denied SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Partly granted
The Board granted initial ratings of 70 percent for a psychiatric disability, 40 percent for a low back disability, and 20 percent each for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve and femoral nerve. The claim for an initial rating greater than 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome was denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 70 percent rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability, finding that May 9, 2022, was the earliest date as of which it was factually ascertainable based on all evidence of record that an increase in disability had occurred.
- Partly granted
The Board denied higher initial ratings for the Veteran's psychiatric and right shoulder disabilities, but granted SMC based on aid and attendance as of February 9, 2023.
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.