Hemorrhoids decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the RO's decision is not in compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and requires additional development before a final determination can be made.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his tinnitus was already at its maximum rating of 10%, bilateral hearing loss did not meet compensable criteria, external hemorrhoid had no active symptoms, spermatocele left side had no active pathology, pulmonary disorder did not show active pathology, right middle finger injury and osteophyte, dorsal right foot were not incurred in service, and neck pain was not established as a current condition.

The veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of an effective date earlier than February 8, 2001, for a 20 percent evaluation for internal derangement of the left knee with postoperative degenerative changes. The remaining issues were remanded for further development.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 20 percent for DJD of the left ankle, a 10 percent evaluation for chronic maxillary sinusitis, and denied compensable ratings for hemorrhoids.

The Board found that the veteran's hemorrhoid disorder, while recurrent and causing occasional symptoms such as itching and stinging, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to persistent bleeding or fissures. The condition was primarily manifested by small to moderate-sized hemorrhoids without evidence of secondary anemia.