Citation Nr: 21013522 Decision Date: 03/09/21 Archive Date: 03/09/21 DOCKET NO. 17-57 791 DATE: March 9, 2021 ORDER Service connection for pelvic floor dysfunction is granted. FINDING OF FACT The Veteran was diagnosed with pelvic floor spasms during service. Competent and credible testimony indicates that the Veteran has continued to experience the same observable pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms since exiting from service, which led to her undergoing a hysterectomy in February 2016. CONCLUSION OF LAW The criteria have been met for service connection for pelvic floor dysfunction. 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303, 3.385. REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION The Veteran served on active duty from December 1997 to January 2011. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal of an August 2013 rating decision issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). In February 2021, a Board hearing was held before the undersigned. Service connection for pelvic floor dysfunction is granted. Legal Criteria Generally, direct service connection may be established for a disability resulting from a disease, injury, or event, incurred in or aggravated by service. 38 U.S.C. § 1110; 38 C.F.R. § 3.303. To establish service connection, the following must be shown: (1) the existence of a present disability; (2) in-service incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury; and (3) a causal relationship between the present disability and the disease or injury incurred or aggravated during service. See Shedden v. Principi, 381 F.3d 1163, 1166-67 (Fed. Cir. 2004). Factual Background A July 2017 VA gynecological conditions disability benefits questionnaire (DBQ) indicates that the Veteran was diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction in 2010 but that her condition began in 2007 while she was on active duty. The Veteran’s service treatment records indicate that she frequently experienced gynecological issues during service. A January 1998 entry indicates that the Veteran reported that she had to use the bathroom frequently and experienced soreness in the genital region. A November 1998 entry indicates that the Veteran had four abnormal pap smears. A February 2004 entry indicates that the Veteran reported abdominal pain and abnormal vaginal discharge. An April 2004 entry indicates that the Veteran reported persistently irregular menstrual cycles. At an August 2010 medical treatment, the Veteran was diagnosed with pelvic floor spasms. At a September 2010 medical treatment, the Veteran reported anorectal and low vaginal discomfort. At an October 2010 medical treatment, the Veteran reported a two-year history (since 2008) of anorectal and low vaginal discomfort. In March 2011, the Veteran continued to report the same symptoms. See medical treatment records. At a January 2011 medical examination, the Veteran reported being diagnosed with pelvic floor muscle spasms which had existed for two and half years since 2008. In February 2016, the Veteran underwent a hysterectomy due to the severity of the symptoms of her pelvic floor dysfunction. At the February 2021 Board hearing, the Veteran testified that the symptoms of her pelvic floor dysfunction have persisted since service and she has continued to seek treatment. The Veteran also testified that the treatment for her pelvic floor dysfunction included a hysterectomy which was recommended to her by a VA doctor. The Veteran further testified that she continues to experience severe spasms which can occur three to five times a month and, when they occur, cause pain that is severe enough to prevent her from walking. Analysis The Veteran has a current diagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction. The Board notes that the Veteran was diagnosed with pelvic floor spasms during service in August 2010. Additionally, the Veteran provided competent and credible testimony that her symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction have persisted since service to present day. The Board notes that the Veteran had to undergo a hysterectomy due to her symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. Accordingly, the Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is in favor of finding that the Veteran experienced symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction during service which have persisted since exiting from service. VICTORIA MOSHIASHWILI Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board Alexander Bahus The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.