The Veteran's status post exploratory laparotomy is rated at 30 percent, and his impairment of rectal sphincter control is also service-connected as secondary to the primary condition. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms are primarily manifested by persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating/abdominal distension, which align with the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7319 (Irritable colon syndrome).
- Claimed conditions
- Status Post Exploratory Laparotomy, Impairment of Rectal Sphincter Control
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- April 10, 2018
- Citation
- 1820951
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 1820951.
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 granted a 100 percent disability rating for IBS with impairment of rectal sphincter control, effective from November 2019. The Veteran also received SMC based on statutory housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities. The issue of TDIU is moot as the Veteran now receives SMC.
- Granted
The Veteran's status post hemorrhoidectomy is granted a 20 percent rating from August 4, 2013. His impairment of rectal sphincter control is granted a 10 percent rating from February 1, 2012.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
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.