Hemorrhoids decisions — 2001

The Board has granted a 20 percent initial rating for the service-connected L5-S1 discogenic disease, effective from November 1, 1993. The veteran's hemorrhoids and chronic blood loss anemia are considered secondary to his service-connected hemorrhoids.

The veteran's claim for adding his grandchild, J.W.A., as a dependent was denied because the child does not meet the criteria to be an eligible dependent for VA purposes.

The veteran's claims for service connection for upper back strain, right shoulder strain, a left shoulder disorder, and hemorrhoids were denied. His claim for an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for hearing loss was also denied.

The Board finds that the veteran's hemorrhoids were incurred in service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an eye disability. The veteran's hypertension, diabetes mellitus, diverticulosis, and internal hemorrhoids are all rated based on their current severity.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including prostate cancer and skin disability, were denied as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected hemorrhoids was granted, but he is still seeking an increased rating.

The veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are recurrent and symptomatic, warranting a 10 percent rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for DIC and accrued benefits, finding that the veteran did not meet the statutory duration requirements for a total disability rating due to PTSD or any other service-connected condition.

The Board denied a higher initial rating for the veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on persistent bleeding or secondary anemia.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected conditions do not warrant an increased rating, as they are currently evaluated at noncompensable levels. The appeal is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's application for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of evidence showing service-connected disability that meets the criteria for such benefits.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension on account of being in need of aid and attendance of another person or on account of being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The veteran's claim for annual clothing allowance was denied because the evidence did not support his belief that Anusol-HC cream caused permanent staining of his outergarments.

The case is being remanded for additional development of the evidence, including obtaining medical records and employment information. The veteran will undergo a VA examination to assess his service-connected low back disability and determine if he qualifies for a TDIU rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of hemorrhoidectomy do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, as there is no evidence of large or thrombotic hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and secondary anemia.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, as there is no clinical evidence of internal or external hemorrhoids during the appeal period.

The veteran's claims for service connection for knee and ankle disorders, stomach disorder (gastroesophagitis), peri-rectal warts, and dental injury from service trauma were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or chronic condition that is related to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected incontinence of sphincter secondary to hemorrhoidectomy is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling. The Board denied an increased evaluation, finding that the schedular criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Board has determined that the veteran's multiple disabilities, including bipolar disorder and cervical spondylosis, render him permanently and totally unemployable, thus warranting a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.