The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for the flu, frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The lumbosacral strain claim was remanded for further development.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran had a current disability manifested by flu, frequent UTIs, or IBS. For the lumbosacral strain, VA committed pre-decisional duty to assist errors and the claim was remanded for a new examination.
- Claimed conditions
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Flu, Frequent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), Lumbosacral Strain, Acquired Psychiatric Disability, to include PTSD, anxiety, major depressive disorder (MDD), an adjustment disorder, a personality disorder, alcohol abuse and insomnia, Bilateral Pes Planus, Disability of the Right Foot, Left Foot Disability (also claimed as toes)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 17, 2025
- Citation
- A25024377
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to ensure a proper examination and etiology opinion are provided.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of September 2, 2020, for the grant of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but denied a higher initial rating and TDIU.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding their etiology.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal is remanded for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims for service connection for various acquired psychiatric disorders.
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.