Hemorrhoids decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, a back disability, and an initial compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids were denied. However, the claim for service connection for hearing loss of the left ear was granted.

The Board denied service connection for sinus allergies/allergic rhinitis and higher initial ratings for hemorrhoids, tinea corporis eczema/rashes, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for a fracture of the right malleolus, hemorrhoids, and a scar of the right thigh were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings.

The veteran's hypertension, left elbow epicondylitis, diverticulosis, and hemorrhoids do not warrant higher initial ratings.

The appeal is being remanded to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) and for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical examination.

The appeal is remanded for additional development, including notification of the duty to assist and readjudication of the claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's testicular nodule, cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, sleep apnea, anemia, periodontitis, hemorrhoids, depression (related to PTSD), migraine headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome are not related to his active service. However, the veteran's depression is related to his service-connected PTSD.

The veteran's internal hemorrhoids, vasomotor rhinitis, and diastasis of the umbilicus muscles were rated at 0 percent. Service connection for breathing problems due to an undiagnosed illness was denied.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, hemorrhoids and a skin condition as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or diagnosis within one year post-service. The claim to reopen for headaches was not addressed.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability rating, and there is no evidence that his service-connected conditions prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a compensable rating or new and material evidence to reopen the claim of hypertension.

The veteran's chronic hemorrhoids were granted service connection, while a chronic left shoulder disorder and a chronic bilateral wrist disorder were denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings for rectal fissure with hemorrhoids, right shoulder tendonitis, left wrist fracture residuals, and right ankle disorder.

The appeal was dismissed due to the veteran's death.

The veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder, residuals of prostatectomy with urinary leakage, and postoperative hemorrhoids were all granted service connection. The ratings for the thoracolumbar spine disorder are now at their maximum allowed under VA rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for hemorrhoids, finding that there was no evidence of persistent bleeding with secondary anemia or fissures.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total rating based upon individual unemployability.

The Board granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), described as colitis, and hemorrhoids based on the evidence showing that these conditions were incurred during active duty for training.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found that the veteran did not have a current disability for hearing loss, residuals of a left hamstring strain, contact dermatitis, periodontal disease, or a strain of the left knee muscle. Hemorrhoids and vision loss (myopia and astigmatism) are not service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for VA compensation.,The veteran's claim for high cholesterol was withdrawn prior to decision.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50% evaluation of chronic recurring headaches of the migraine type is denied. The claim for an increased evaluation of internal and external hemorrhoids, status-post hemorrhoidectomy, is also denied.