The Veteran's service-connected Functional Bowel Syndrome and fecal incontinence have been granted increased ratings, with the FBS receiving a 30 percent rating and the fecal incontinence also receiving a 30 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran’s symptoms of frequent episodes of bowel disturbances and abdominal distress, including four to six bowel movements per day and painful lower abdominal cramps, warranted a higher 30 percent rating for severe irritable colon syndrome under Diagnostic Code 7319. The medical records also indicated occasional involuntary bowel movements necessitating the wearing of a pad, which supported a separate 30 percent rating for fecal incontinence.
- Claimed conditions
- Functional Bowel Syndrome, Fecal Incontinence
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 27, 2020
- Citation
- 20049713
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 20049713.
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: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a urinary disability, claimed as urinary incontinence, is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a fecal incontinence disability, including as secondary to a pelvic floor disability, is remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's initial claim for a 60 percent rating for fecal incontinence was granted. The effective date of Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) based on permanent and total disability status is set at February 26, 2020. The earlier effective date for service connection for fecal incontinence prior to August 16, 2019, is denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. §1151 due to a lack of evidence showing that his bowel/fecal incontinence was caused by VA care and treatment following an August 9, 2000 hemorrhoidectomy.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases of fecal incontinence and a rating for irritable bowel syndrome due to the need for further medical examination and evaluation.
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