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 assigned
- 10%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 26001154.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.