The Veteran's perirectal abscess with retained rectal fistula disability has been rated at 10 percent throughout the period on appeal, as it manifests with constant slight or occasional moderate leakage.
The deciding factor: The Veteran reported experiencing leakage and required wearing of pads due to his condition. The VA examiner found no objective evidence of involuntary bowel movements but noted the Veteran's reports of recurring fistula swelling resulting in bleeding.
- Claimed conditions
- perirectal abscess, retained rectal fistula
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20012706
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 20012706.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claim for 38 U.S.C. § 1151 compensation benefits was denied because the Board found that her anal fistula and abscess were not caused by VA medical care, despite her assertions to the contrary.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented her from working from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 and from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected left knee disorder and a TDIU prior to January 21, 2022 are being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for clarification regarding the nature of his knee disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that additional development is needed for the issues on appeal, including obtaining relevant records from SSA and VA. The case will be returned to the Board after compliance with these procedures.
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