Hemorrhoids decisions — 2004

The Board granted service connection for Raynaud's disease and an initial noncompensable evaluation for hemorrhoids. The veteran was found to have a current disability of Raynaud's disease, which is presumed to be related to his military service. For the hemorrhoids, the VA determined that there were no objective findings or symptoms warranting any compensation.

The Board found that the veteran's current internal/external hemorrhoids do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation guidelines.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to VCAA notification deficiencies.

The Board denied all claims, including an increased rating for detached retina of the left eye and a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids. The claim for service connection for ulcers was also denied.

The veteran's disabilities, including multiple conditions such as cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, and benign prostatic hypertrophy, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent prior to November 16, 1998; zero percent from January 1, 1999, to August 9, 2000; and 20 percent from August 10, 2000, for his service-connected bilateral inguinal hernia must be denied. He does not meet any of the criteria for the next higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7338.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a low back disorder, arthritis of the legs, disability manifested by dizziness and syncope, migraine headaches, tinea pedis, tinea cruris, onychomycosis, hemorrhoidal tags, or lentiginosis that are related to active service. Therefore, these claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids and gastritis with hiatal hernia, finding that the current symptoms do not warrant a compensable or higher rating under applicable VA disability evaluation criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 2, 2001 for the grant of a total rating for compensation based upon individual unemployability due to lack of evidence showing he became unemployable within one year of that date and because his service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for such a rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development of evidence and consideration.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chest pain and headaches, as well as his increased rating claims. The veteran is not entitled to these benefits based on the evidence of record.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and residuals of hemorrhoidectomy, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable criteria.

The VA denied an increased rating for hemorrhoids and hearing loss, as well as not reopening the tinnitus claim or granting service connection for a foot disability.

The veteran's claim of TDIU was received on May 8, 2002. The RO granted TDIU effective from May 7, 2002 based on the severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a service connection for any of the conditions listed, including hypertension, hemorrhoids, residuals of tympanic membrane perforations (tinnitus), right maxillary cyst, right ankle sprain, left ankle sprain, and right leg nerve damage.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and postoperative hemorrhoids with pruritus ani were denied as there is no evidence showing that his conditions require the higher rating levels.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for hemorrhoids and dysthymic disorder are being remanded to the RO for further development.

The veteran's hemorrhoids with anal fissure are not manifested by extraordinary or unusual circumstances, such as marked interference with employment or frequent hospitalizations. The veteran is granted a compensable evaluation for residuals of an injury to the left great toe.,Chronic sinusitis has not been productive of three or more incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting, or one or more capacitating episodes of sinusitis per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment. The veteran's service connection for residuals of a left ankle sprain is not established.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, as they are described as mild or moderate with occasional bleeding.