Hemorrhoids decisions — 2003

The VA denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, concluding that his cardiovascular disorder was not related to his military service and did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for evaluations and service connection, finding that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation or service connection for his conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection of low back disorder and sinusitis, but not for hemorrhoids. The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids remains denied as there is no evidence showing symptoms warranting such a rating. For the low back disorder, the Board finds that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim, while for sinusitis it has not.

The veteran's hemorrhoids are found to have manifested during his service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disorder, an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids, and an initial compensable rating for prostate disability. The matter of entitlement to a 10% evaluation for multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities is moot.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his thoracic spine condition with x-ray evidence of scoliosis.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case regarding his increased evaluation for hemorrhoids. The RO is instructed to obtain treatment records from Dr. Mayer and review the record again if any benefit sought remains denied.

The veteran's hemorrhoids have been rated at 20 percent since July 24, 2002, due to persistent anal fissures and intermittent rectal bleeding.

The veteran's claims for compensable ratings for his service-connected hemorrhoids and residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right scrotum area, including scars, were denied. The veteran was also denied a 10 percent rating for multiple noncompensable disabilities prior to June 5, 1997.

The veteran's claimed conditions of hemorrhoids, heartburn, and a chronic depressive disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The appeal is denied.

The Board has reviewed the claims for service connection for peptic ulcer disease, hemorrhoids, and residuals of a low back injury as well as rating issues. The RO denied these claims and ratings in excess of 20 percent each for cervical strain and C-5 radiculopathy.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in the dismissal of all pending claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to increased initial disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and hemorrhoids, as well as his claim for service connection for a right foot injury. The veteran's current conditions are rated at 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss since May 2, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder disability, right ankle disability, and hemorrhoids. The current ratings of 30 percent for the left shoulder disability, 20 percent for the right ankle disability, and 10 percent for the hemorrhoids are maintained.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hemorrhoids and hypertension due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeal on all issues related to service connection due to his request for withdrawal. The claim for special monthly pension benefits based on need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate was denied as the veteran does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board denied service connection for chronic laryngitis, right hip disability, and hemorrhoids. Service connection was granted for a bilateral knee disability.

The veteran's narcolepsy with cataplexy is currently rated at 80 percent, effective from June 1, 2000.,The veteran's depressive neurosis has been granted a rating of 30 percent, effective from June 1, 2000. The issue for the period before this date remains in appellate status.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board denied the veteran's request for a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids and his claim for service connection for a pulmonary disability secondary to asbestos exposure. The appeal is based on current symptoms and medical records, which do not support an increased rating or service connection.