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 assigned
- 60%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0209222.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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.
- Denied
The veteran's claim for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such assistance due to his current service-connected disabilities. However, he is eligible for adaptive equipment only.
- 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.