Hemorrhoids decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of September 1, 1997, for a 10 percent rating for hemorrhoids with rectal cyst.

The Board denied service connection for hemorrhoids and chronic fatigue syndrome, finding that the veteran's claims were not supported by evidence of a link to his military service.

The veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU are being remanded due to inadequate notice of the information and evidence necessary to substantiate his claims.

The veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including a total abdominal hysterectomy, bladder disability, low back disability, hypertension, Raynaud's disease, hallux valgus of the right foot, and hemorrhoids. The RO is instructed to obtain additional medical records and review the claims on appeal, with particular attention given to the new rating criteria for spine conditions.

The veteran's service connection claims for various conditions have been granted, but the assigned disability ratings are not as favorable as requested. The initial compensable ratings were denied in several cases.

The Board finds that the veteran currently has bilateral hearing loss recognized as a disability for VA purposes and affirms service connection for this condition. The other claims are denied.

The Board has granted an increased (compensable) disability rating of 10% for hemorrhoids, finding that the veteran's symptoms more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tinea versicolor, right knee disability, residuals of a nerve laceration along the radial aspect of the left index finger, back disability, and chronic headache disability. The RO granted service connection for coronary artery disease, left knee medial meniscal tear, traumatic arthritis of the right acromioclavicular joint, residuals of an arthrotomy of the first metatarsophalangeal joints of each foot with joint debridement for hallux limitus and degenerative joint disease, hemorrhoids, and anal fissure. The RO also denied entitlement to initial compensable disability ratings for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current hemorrhoids, headaches, hypertension, or gout. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board denied increased evaluations for dermatophytosis of the feet, hemorrhoids, duodenal ulcer, and residuals of cold injury to the feet.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for hemorrhoids, finding that the veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's Crohn's Disease (also claimed as status post colonoscopy) is rated at 30 percent, the highest available rating for moderately severe symptoms with frequent exacerbations.,The veteran's iron deficiency anemia is currently rated at 10 percent, reflecting a hemoglobin count of over 10 mg. The veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7700.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for heart disease, right ankle disorder, sinus disorders, bilateral hearing loss, and hemorrhoids.

The Board denied service connection for diverticulitis and hemorrhoids, finding no evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's active duty. The claim for reopening the hemorrhoids was also denied.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities were denied. The RO granted the initial compensable evaluations, but did not address the issues on appeal.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a neck disorder, headache disorder, heart disorder, chest disorder, hemorrhoids, and bilateral knee condition. The RO found that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder disorders, bilateral pes planus, and bilateral hallux valgus.

The Board has granted service connection for a callus on the right foot, finding that it is likely due to an injury sustained during service. The claim for increased rating of hemorrhoids remains pending and requires further development.

The Board finds that the veteran's hemorrhoids were incurred in service and grants service connection for this condition. The other issues on appeal are also granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability and hemorrhoids. The case is being remanded to consider whether preexisting conditions existed prior to service.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.