Hemorrhoids decisions — 2004

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic stomach disorder and a lumbar spine disorder. The claim for the stomach disorder was previously denied in December 1980, and no new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen it. For the lumbar spine disorder, the competent medical evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The veteran's gastrointestinal disorders, including constipation and GERD, as well as hemorrhoids and polyps, were not incurred during active service or due to an undiagnosed illness. The Board denied these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's reported stressors, including witnessing severe injuries and other traumatic incidents while hospitalized in Korea, are credible. Therefore, service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder is granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple myeloma, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy. The claim for hemorrhoids was reopened but not granted due to lack of evidence linking current symptoms to service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hemorrhoids and a rash, as well as the issue regarding PTSD. The RO is instructed to schedule VA medical examinations and ensure all notification requirements under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 are met.

The VA has determined that the veteran's hemorrhoids, which are already service-connected and not due to a presumption or new evidence, do not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an earlier effective date for TDIU, service connection for a gynecological disorder, and a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for chronic hemorrhoids and to reopen his claim of service connection for bilateral shin splints.

The Board found no evidence of a current back disability and denied service connection for back pain. The veteran's hemorrhoids were rated at 10 percent, which was the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7336.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected hemorrhoids.

The Board previously denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected hemorrhoids. The case is now being remanded to the VBA AMC for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a bilateral hip disorder and an effective date prior to May 21, 2001, for a 10% rating for hemorrhoids. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the hip disorder or hemorrhoids to military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the veteran's claimed in-service stressors for PTSD and to determine if his current hemorrhoids are related to service. The claims will be remanded for further action.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected varicose veins did not cause or contribute to his death from cardiovascular disease, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The VA has granted an initial compensable evaluation of 20 percent for the veteran's hemorrhoids, effective January 1, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids and found that there was no evidence of a chronic hemorrhoid problem in service or post-service. The issue regarding basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis involving the face from January 4, 2000 is considered 'unknown' as it does not address service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions. The claims will be reconsidered based on all applicable laws and regulations.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and denied the claim for service connection for cause of death.

The veteran's compensation award was reduced due to his failure to provide the Social Security number for his spouse and child. The effective date of the reduction is April 1, 1993.

The Board denied extensions of temporary total ratings and increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, finding that the veteran did not meet the criteria for extended convalescence or higher disability ratings.