Hemorrhoids decisions — 2006

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's service-connected disabilities were at least as likely as not the immediate or underlying cause of his death. The appeal is also remanded to determine eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35.

The Board has granted an initial compensable rating of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids, effective from August 2, 2003.

The Board has determined that the proposed reduction of the veteran's hemorrhoids rating from 10 percent to noncompensable is not warranted as there was no evidence showing sustained material improvement in his condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peptic ulcer disease, hemorrhoids, and a seizure disorder. The RO also denied his requests for increased ratings for cervical strain and C-5 radiculopathy, as well as entitlement to a temporary total rating (T/TR) and specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that new and material evidence was submitted. The claim for right ear hearing loss is granted as it had its onset during service. The claim for tinnitus is not granted as there is no evidence linking it to service. The rating for shrapnel wound scar on mandible with retained foreign body remains at 10 percent, and the veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are rated noncompensably disabling.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further evidentiary development, including a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for a hiatal hernia, hemorrhoids, and tinea pedis with onychomycosis as there was no evidence of these conditions in service or that they are related to the veteran's service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids, service connection for shortness of breath, and a skin disorder due to herbicide exposure were all denied as the evidence did not support these claims.