The Board granted service connection for an intestinal disability, manifesting as irregular bowel movements causing impairment in earning capacity. The Veteran was also denied a higher initial rating for low back pain with degenerative arthritis, stenosis, and strain, but granted a 10 percent rating from March 30, 2024, for tension headaches.

The deciding factor: The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's intestinal disability related to service. The lumbar spine disability symptoms have more nearly approximated favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, but not unfavorable ankylosis. The tension headache rating was granted based on characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over the last several months.

Claimed conditions

Intestinal disability manifesting as irregular bowel movements causing impairment in earning capacity, Low back pain with degenerative arthritis, stenosis, and strain, Tension headaches

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 16, 2025

Citation

A25108737

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