The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a rectal tear, finding no current diagnosis and insufficient evidence to establish a link between his in-service injury and any present condition.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners' opinions were given more probative weight as they considered the history of the disability including the Veteran’s reports of injury at separation due to an unlubricated digital rectal examination, and supported by clear explanation.
- Claimed conditions
- rectal tear, pruritis ani
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 29, 2019
- Citation
- 19181853
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 Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 26, 2020. The decision was based on evidence showing the veteran could perform sedentary work and was gainfully employed until October 31, 2014.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hemorrhoids, including any related symptoms such as anemia, external hemorrhoids, fissures, fistula, perirectal abscess, rectal stricture, and pruritis ani.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal of the issue regarding service connection for a left elbow disorder is dismissed. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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.