The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for anal fissure, finding that a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to December 13, 2010, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter is not warranted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran required a pad due to leakage or fecal incontinence for anal fissure prior to December 13, 2010. From December 13, 2010 onwards, his symptoms were described as occasional liquid discharge and leakage of stools but no abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, blood with stools, change in stools, or narrowing of stools.
- Claimed conditions
- anal fissure, impairment of rectal sphincter control
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 13, 2018
- Citation
- 1814945
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1814945.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals because the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ must schedule an examination to determine if he requires the regular aid and attendance of another person as a result of his service-connected impairment of rectal sphincter control.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal to increase the rating for his service-connected anal fissure and hemorrhoids was dismissed because it was an improper appeal of a non-adjudicative decision.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for hemorrhoids with anal fissure and fistula, finding that the Veteran's burn pit exposures likely aggravated his existing IBS-related diarrhea, which in turn caused his hemorrhoids.
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.