Hemorrhoids decisions — 2006

The VA denied service connection for a stomach disability and the retroactive payment of total compensation rating to July 1, 1997.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no basis for a higher rating or to reopen the claim of service connection.

The VA denied a compensable rating for the service-connected hemorrhoids, citing that the condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on current symptoms and functional impairment.

The VA denied the veteran's request for a compensable evaluation for his hemorrhoids, finding that they do not meet the criteria for a 10% or higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7336. The Board determined that the evidence did not support an increased evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he is not unemployable as a result of these conditions and that he failed to comply with the Board's remand instructions.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination for his hemorrhoid condition. The RO must also ensure full VCAA notice has been provided.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for myopia, residuals of salmonella poisoning, or a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids.

The Board denied the veteran's claims to reopen his previously denied service connection for a deviated nasal septum and denied his claim for an increased rating for his service-connected hemorrhoids.

The veteran's PTSD is found to be service-connected, and his hemorrhoids are also found to be service-connected. The right ankle condition remains at the initial rating stage.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a cardiovascular disorder or stomach disorder that were incurred during service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for anxiety with depression and hemorrhoids, as well as his claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability. The appeals were all denied.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeals seeking a rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension and a compensable rating for hemorrhoids. The case is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of glaucoma, gastrointestinal disorder, or skin rash related to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The left foot infection was not shown in the record. Hemorrhoids were also not shown as being incurred in service.

The RO granted a TDIU effective October 10, 1996 based on the veteran's combined rating of 70% due to his service-connected disabilities. However, an earlier effective date is denied as the veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU prior to this date.

The Board found no additional disability resulting from the January 1976 spinal tap, and thus denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of a spinal tap performed at a VA medical center in January 1976 resulting in low back pain.

The VA denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's hemorrhoids, as there is no evidence of persistent bleeding or fissures that would warrant such an increase.

The Board has granted a higher 60 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids since September 1, 2005.

The veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The Board found no legal basis for the assignment of a schedular evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus, and denied compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 9, 2005, and from that date forward. A rating in excess of 30 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hearing loss in the right ear, otitis media of the right ear, hemorrhoids, and a low back disability. The rating for the low back disability was maintained at 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, hemorrhoids, asthma, and bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's current conditions are considered to be directly related to his military service.