Hemorrhoids decisions — 2002

The VA denied a compensable rating for service-connected hemorrhoids, citing the current medical evidence as not meeting the criteria for a 10% rating due to thrombosed hemorrhoids that were treated and have not recurred.

The veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are currently rated as noncompensable, and his bilateral varicose veins have been rated at 10 percent since October 1996. The new rating criteria for varicose veins became effective on January 12, 1998.,Effective from January 12, 1998, the veteran's bilateral varicose veins are rated as 10 percent each leg.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury, postoperative residuals from hemorrhoidectomy, and gastrointestinal signs and symptoms (including bloody stools) due to an undiagnosed illness resulting from Persian Gulf service. Service connection was not established for neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hemorrhoids were first manifested during service and are therefore granted service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches, but denied service connection for the residuals of a right middle finger fracture and external hemorrhoids.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU rating were denied. His service-connected bilateral plantar warts with great toe callosity are rated at 30 percent, his residuals of hemorrhoidectomy are rated at 0 percent, and he does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The VA denied the appellant's claims for a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids and an initial compensable disability rating for a scar on his left cheek. The Board found that the criteria for these ratings were not met.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for hemorrhoids and residuals of a fracture of the right metacarpal, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation under applicable VA rating criteria.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the legal requirements for an automobile allowance and/or adaptive equipment (to include a cellular phone) due to his multiple sclerosis, resulting in diplopia, weakness and sensory changes of the extremities, and bilateral cataracts. The disability does not result in permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or hips, nor does it meet the legal requirements for central visual acuity with corrective glasses being 20/200 or less in the better eye.

The Board granted service connection for arthritis of the hands and awarded a 10 percent rating for chronic seborrheic blepharitis. The ratings for hemorrhoids and residuals of multiple burns of the face and hands were not changed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension, hemorrhoids, and post-operative residuals of a right inguinal hernia.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and his hemorrhoids are rated at 10 percent. Both conditions meet the criteria for their respective ratings.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's right ankle fracture, left ankle injury, and right shoulder injury. The rating for bowel incontinence is also granted to a 30 percent level. However, the rating for hemorrhoids remains at noncompensable.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of entitlement to special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, finding that his disabilities did not result in helplessness due to mental or physical impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids, sinusitis, and a gastrointestinal disorder. The RO found that the veteran's conditions preexisted his military service and did not increase in severity during service.

The veteran's hemorrhoids are rated at the maximum 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 7336, and a higher rating is denied as there is no evidence of secondary anemia or prolapsed rectum.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids, finding that his current condition did not begin during or as a result of his military service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for vocational rehabilitation services as he has successfully maintained employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests.

The appellant is not eligible for VA nonservice-connected disability pension benefits because he did not serve during a period of war, and his service records show that his active duty began in June 1975 after the end of the Vietnam era.