The Board granted a 60 percent disability rating for stage III rectal cancer with lower anterior resection to include lactose intolerance and service connection for lactose intolerance as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected condition. The appeal was denied for urinary incontinence and lymphedema.
The deciding factor: The evidence supported extensive leakage and fairly frequent involuntary bowel movements, which warranted a 60 percent rating under the pre-amended Diagnostic Code 7332. Service connection for lactose intolerance as secondary to stage III rectal cancer with lower anterior resection was granted due to its service-connected status since October 2002.
- Claimed conditions
- stage III rectal cancer with lower anterior resection to include lactose intolerance, urinary incontinence, lymphedema
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- April 22, 2025
- Citation
- A25036483
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to November 21, 2024, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter for urinary incontinence.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, right knee pain (bilateral knee condition), left knee pain (bilateral knee condition), chronic right hip pain (bilateral hip condition), left hip condition (bilateral hip condition), rectal cancer (colon cancer), chronic fecal incontinence (bowel condition), and urinary incontinence. The claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus Type II were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes, sleep apnea, prostate cancer, urinary incontinence, residuals of gallbladder removal, gout and low back disability, as well as entitlement to a TDIU prior to April 20, 2023, due to inadequate medical opinions.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for prostate cancer status post radical prostatectomy, erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.
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.