The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for anal fistula prior to March 24, 2015, and a rating in excess of 30 percent on and after March 24, 2015, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings based on the severity of symptoms.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support findings of extensive leakage or frequent involuntary bowel movements as required for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- anal fistula
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 16, 2019
- Citation
- 19103807
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for anal fistula secondary to an anal abscess, finding that the additional disability was a normal consequence of the natural progression of the disease and not caused by fault on the part of VA medical treatment.
- Denied
The Board denied compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of a perirectal abscess, to include an anal fistula requiring surgery, as the additional disability was not caused by VA medical treatment and there was no failure to timely treat or diagnose the condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's initial 10 percent disability rating for anal fistula is being remanded due to the need to obtain outstanding private treatment records from Dr. M.G. and the Lexington Clinic.
- Denied
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss from January 23, 2014 is denied a compensable rating. The Veteran's anal fistula disability from June 25, 2014 is granted an initial 60 percent disability rating.
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.