The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for bowel impairment due to Multiple Sclerosis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms were primarily constipation with occasional stomach cramps and mild leakage. The Board found no evidence of severe diarrhea or other required symptoms for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 7319 or 7356, nor did the evidence support a higher rating based on loss of sphincter control.
- Claimed conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 29, 2026
- Citation
- 26001154
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 26001154.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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 Board has granted service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, a headache disability as secondary to service-connected MS, and an eye disability as secondary to service-connected MS. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are supported by medical evidence, and the Board finds that they are related to her service-connected MS.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted a separate 30 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected Multiple Sclerosis (MS), finding that there are additional ascertainable manifestations of MS not accounted for by other disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) was granted effective August 10, 2022. This decision also grants the Veteran an initial rating of 100% for MS.,Effective August 10, 2022, the Veteran is now entitled to DEA benefits based on his service-connected MS.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's Multiple Sclerosis first manifested during service or within seven years after separation. The VA examiner is requested to provide an opinion on this matter.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.