This decision remands three issues: entitlement to an increased rating for hypotonic rectal sphincter with anal seepage, PTSD, and chronic occipital headaches. The Veteran's service connection is established but the ratings are not appropriate.,PTSD was rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,Hypotonic rectal sphincter with anal seepage has been rated at 30 percent since January 27, 2009. The evidence does not support a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for extensive leakage and fairly frequent involuntary bowel movements.,Chronic occipital headaches have not yet received a rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on their severity or frequency of occurrence.
- Claimed conditions
- hypotonic rectal sphincter with anal seepage, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and duodenal ulcer, chronic occipital headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18133906
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 18133906.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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