Hemorrhoids decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a generalized joint condition and a buttock condition, finding no evidence to support these claims based on either direct or undiagnosed illness criteria.

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids and service connection for deformity and discoloration in his toenails was denied. The issue regarding recoupment of separation pay by withholding VA disability compensation is referred to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC).

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against granting service connection for type II diabetes mellitus due to lack of exposure to Agent Orange during service. The veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease, hypertension, hemorrhoids, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and impingement syndrome with history of tendonitis of the left shoulder are currently rated as 10 percent each.

The VA determined that the veteran's hemorrhoids, which included intermittent bleeding and anal fissures, warranted a 20 percent disability rating from September 1, 2003 to February 16, 2006.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic fatigue, pain and depression, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, and hepatitis C. The decision also addressed issues related to reopening previously denied claims and assigned a rating of zero percent for hepatitis.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records and ensure all duty-to-assist obligations have been met.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are not manifested by large or thrombotic irreducible hemorrhoid, excessive redundant tissue, persistent bleeding, secondary anemia, or fissures. Therefore, a compensable rating for hemorrhoids is denied.

The Board has determined that a more thorough examination is needed to assess the current severity of the appellant's hemorrhoid disability, including laboratory work for anemia. The RO must obtain any outstanding VA medical records and schedule the appellant for a VA examination.

The veteran's hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with a hiatal hernia, and hemorrhoids are all found to have been incurred in or developed during periods of active service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the merits of the veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected hemorrhoids. The case is therefore REMANDED for further action.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and residuals of pneumonia and pleurisy, but remanded the claim for residuals of pneumonia and pleurisy due to insufficient medical evidence.,Service connection is granted for residuals of hemorrhoids.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the veteran's service-connected pes planus valgus with calcaneal fat pad syndrome and denied his claims for other disabilities, including refractive error, adjustment disorder, ankle disorders, shin disorders, knee disorders, hip disorders, low back disorders, and hemorrhoids.

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

The veteran's appeal for service connection on the merits of his claims for hemorrhoids, arthritis of the right arm and right elbow, hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension has been dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed hemorrhoids and hepatitis are not related to service, and therefore denied both claims.

The veteran's left shoulder tendonitis is rated at 20 percent disabling since January 28, 2004. The other conditions are either not compensable or have been granted increased ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, finding no evidence of current disabilities or that any present conditions are related to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, increased ratings for left hand disability and hearing loss, and a compensable rating for hemorrhoids were denied. The Board found no evidence of in-service onset or aggravation of these conditions.

The veteran seeks TDIU based on his service-connected headache condition and hemorrhoids. The Board previously denied this claim, but the Court has remanded it for additional development to determine if these conditions alone render him unemployable.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current disability for any of the claimed conditions, and there is no evidence to support a connection between service and these disorders. As such, the claims are denied.