Hemorrhoids decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for residuals of a C2 vertebra fracture and hemorrhoids, finding that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 10 percent or any compensable rating.

The Board found that the veteran's rectal bleeding is associated with his service-connected hemorrhoids and denied both his claim for an increased evaluation for hemorrhoids and his claim for service connection for undiagnosed illness manifested by rectal bleeding.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his service-connected hemorrhoids, including obtaining updated treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for major depression, increased evaluations for bladder disorder and lumbar spine disability, and a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids. The veteran's heart disorder claim was not addressed due to its separate status.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, hemorrhoidectomy, plantar warts of the left heel, and liver cysts as there is no evidence to support a higher rating under the applicable schedular criteria. The claim for an effective date earlier than May 30, 2000 for the award of a 100% rating for polycystic kidney disease with hypertension and congestive heart failure was not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a right shoulder condition, left knee and elbow conditions, right knee condition, upper back condition, left wrist condition, hemorrhoids, and asbestos exposure. The Board found that the current conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee arthritis, a left index finger condition (ankylosis), and postoperative hemorrhoids. The evidence did not support higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased rating for hemorrhoids, service connection for generalized gastrointestinal (GI) disorders involving the stomach, colon and pancreas on a direct basis or as secondary to service-connected hemorrhoids, genitourinary disorders including prostate conditions (prostatitis) and bladder neck contraction, and PTSD.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and a left knee disorder. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for hearing loss was withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board has determined that the veteran's benign essential tremor of the bilateral upper extremities was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred. The claim for blood loss is denied as well.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids do not warrant a compensable rating, as his symptoms are minimal to moderate and do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the service-connected hemorrhoids, effective from the date of the decision. The hearing loss disability remains at a non-compensable rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and clarification of evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hemorrhoids are related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for hemorrhoids effective August 11, 2003. The initial compensable rating for urethral stricture is being remanded due to the need for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for internal hemorrhoids due to aggravation during service. The issue of service connection for depression secondary to a low back disability is remanded for further action.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed hiatal hernia, hemorrhoids, gastric ulcer, and psychiatric disorder are not related to service or any aspect thereof. The claims were reopened based on new evidence but denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids, effective from the date of claim (November 26, 2002).

The Board has granted initial compensable ratings of 10% for the veteran's service-connected low back condition, hemorrhoids, and gouty arthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joint as of February 15, 2003.