Hemorrhoids decisions — 2001

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of various service-connected disabilities were denied. The RO found that the current ratings adequately reflected the severity and nature of his conditions.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at a non-VA hospital due to lack of authorization and availability of VA facilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the severity of the appellant's external hemorrhoids and whether he manifests anemia secondary to this condition. The TDIU claim is also deferred pending completion of these actions.

The Board found no evidence of current hemorrhoids, headaches, or sinusitis in service and denied the veteran's claims for these conditions. The claim for fatigue was not addressed due to lack of development under specific provisions.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material, thus the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hemorrhoids, headaches, and a low back disability may not be reopened.

The veteran's appeal is about his service-connected disabilities and whether he should receive higher levels of special monthly compensation based on the severity of his conditions. The RO has ordered additional VA examinations to assess the current level of impairment resulting from his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the initial ratings assigned for hypertension, bronchial asthma, postoperative residuals of a hemorrhoidectomy with a history of perirectal abscess, and frostbite of the fingers are appropriate.

The Board has determined that there is evidence of improvement in the veteran's hemorrhoids, warranting a reduction from a 10 percent rating to zero percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an additional apportionment of the veteran's compensation benefits on behalf of their minor child, finding that the veteran reasonably discharged his responsibility for support and there was no demonstrated hardship.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for generalized anxiety disorder, headaches, and hemorrhoids as there was no evidence showing that these conditions were service-connected or related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder from November 23, 1992. The veteran's claim for a higher rating is denied. An effective date prior to March 18, 1998, for the 50 percent disability evaluation for PTSD is granted. The veteran's total unemployability due to his service-connected disorders is not met.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for hypertension and a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids, finding that the evidence does not support an increased rating or reopening of his claim.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death, found that burial benefits were not warranted due to nonservice-connected death, and determined that accrued benefits were not awarded as the claim was filed outside one year after the veteran's death.

The veteran's residuals of an acromioclavicular separation of the left shoulder with arthritis are rated at 20 percent effective March 16, 1998.,A hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux and a history of a duodenal ulcer is rated at 30 percent from September 29, 1995 to April 30, 1996. It was previously rated as zero percent effective March 1, 1994.,Hemorrhoids are rated at 10 percent since March 1, 1994.,Coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction is rated at 30 percent effective March 1, 1994.

The Board found the revision from a 50 percent to a 30 percent rating for cervical adenocarcinoma, post total hysterectomy was appropriate due to CUE in the original rating decision. The evaluation of hemorrhoids remains pending.

The Board has determined that the appellant first manifested hemorrhoidal tags during service and granted service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear was reopened, but his claims for pes planus and hemorrhoids were not reopened.,Service connection is being considered on a direct basis for all three conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination. The veteran's claim of service connection for hemorrhoids is still pending.