The Veteran's thoracic spine disability is rated at 40 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,Prior to April 7, 2017, the Veteran's fecal incontinence was rated at 30 percent. From April 7, 2017, it has been rated at 60 percent.,The Veteran's recurrent right ankle sprain is currently rated at 10 percent and his right knee medial collateral ligament strain is rated at 10 percent.,None of the conditions meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support an increase in ratings beyond those assigned, as there is no indication that any condition meets or approximates the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracic strain with degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome at L1-L2 with nerve root (lumbar spine disability), Fecal incontinence, Recurrent right ankle sprain, Right knee medial collateral ligament strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 4, 2018
- Citation
- 1827550
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 1827550.
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: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a bladder disability and fecal incontinence as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left lower extremity weakness, residual of stroke/TIA associated with diabetes mellitus type II.
- Whole decision: Granted
Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disability, sleep apnea (OSA), and fecal incontinence. The appeals for secondary service connection are remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further development and readjudication, specifically regarding whether the Veteran's fecal incontinence is secondary or aggravated by his radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for recurrent right ankle sprain with degenerative changes is denied as the evidence does not support a finding of less than 5 degrees of dorsiflexion or less than 10 degrees of plantar flexion.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right shoulder infraspinatus tear with adhesive capsulitis is remanded due to worsening symptoms since his last VA examination.
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