The Veteran's rectal prolapse is granted an initial rating of 50 percent. The claims for service connection for right lower extremity radicular pain, left lower extremity radicular pain, hemorrhoids, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), dry eyes, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's rectal prolapse is rated under the current criteria for digestive system disorders. The Veteran has had surgical intervention but his prolapse has recurred, occurring at times other than bowel movements and exertion. The Veteran's symptoms align with a maximum schedular rating of 50 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Rectal prolapse, Hemorrhoids, Right lower extremity radicular pain (sciatic), Left lower extremity radicular pain (sciatic), Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Dry eyes, Generalized anxiety disorder, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Depressive disorder, Alcohol use disorder, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 6, 2026
- Citation
- A26000787
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 A26000787.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that both conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back condition and sinusitis, respectively.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
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