The Board granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and assigned initial ratings of 30 percent for migraines, 20 percent for each ankle condition, and 40 percent for lumbar strain. Effective dates earlier than July 7, 2022, were denied for the ankle, migraine, and lumbar strain conditions, while an effective date of August 17, 2022, was granted for sinusitis.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's migraines, bilateral ankles, and lumbar strain met the criteria for a higher initial rating based on their frequency and severity. The grant of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome was supported by evidence indicating its onset during active service.

Claimed conditions

bilateral ankle lateral collateral ligament, migraines, lumbar strain, sinusitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 5, 2025

Citation

A25096135

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