The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a separate rating for impaired sphincter control and a higher rating for internal hemorrhoids with pruritus ani prior to June 5, 2018. The evidence did not support granting these ratings.
The deciding factor: The medical records did not show any history of fecal incontinence or sphincter impairment prior to June 5, 2018, and the Veteran's symptoms were consistent with a reducible hemorrhoid condition without significant complications like persistent bleeding or anemia.
- Claimed conditions
- Impaired sphincter control, Internal hemorrhoids with pruritus ani
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 9, 2020
- Citation
- 20065809
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.
- Granted
The veteran's impaired sphincter control was granted a disability rating of 60 percent, and she was awarded special monthly compensation for the need for aid and attendance at a higher level.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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