The Veteran's service-connected rectal disability has been rated as 30 percent and 60 percent disabling, respectively, for the periods from February 10, 2011 to March 2015 and from March 31, 2015 to January 19, 2016. The Veteran's appeal is denied as her disability does not warrant a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support the Veteran’s contention that she had bowel incontinence due to service-connected HTLV-1 myelopathy and therefore, the current ratings were appropriate.
- Claimed conditions
- Impairment of rectal sphincter control, Constipation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 26, 2018
- Citation
- 1825160
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 1825160.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected impairment of rectal sphincter control is granted a 60 percent rating, effective December 10, 2017. The claim for TDIU is granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's GERD with constipation is rated at 30 percent effective September 3, 2024. Prior to this date, the rating was 10 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of opinion regarding whether the Veteran's IBS is related to his service, specifically Gulf War exposure. The VA will schedule an examination and provide an updated medical opinion.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted SMC at the (o) rate based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and other conditions. He also meets the criteria for SMC at the (r)(1) level due to need for regular aid and attendance.
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