The veteran's anal sphincter impairment and residuals of an in-service closed colostomy are currently rated at 50 percent, but the evidence shows significant interruption in both internal and external sphincter muscles resulting in impairment of sphincter control with symptoms equally well described as extensive leakage and fairly frequent involuntary bowel movements. The Board has determined that a higher rating of 60 percent is warranted based on these findings.
The deciding factor: The veteran's current symptoms, including significant interruption in both internal and external sphincter muscles resulting in impairment of sphincter control with symptoms equally well described as extensive leakage and fairly frequent involuntary bowel movements, meet the criteria for a higher rating of 60 percent under the applicable VA rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- anal sphincter impairment, residuals of an in-service closed colostomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 6, 2002
- Citation
- 0209222
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0209222.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's fecal incontinence due to anal sphincter impairment associated with Crohn's disease warrants a 100% rating, as it more nearly approximates complete loss of sphincter control.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's father, the appellant, is seeking a higher initial level of special monthly compensation based on the need for a higher level of care under 38 U.S.C.A. Section 1114(r)(2). The case has been remanded due to incomplete records and lack of information regarding the supervision provided by the Veteran's parents.
- Whole decision: Denied
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- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
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