Hemorrhoids decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for constipation, hemorrhoids, and a left foot bunion are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to assess current disability levels.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for his TDIU benefit, which was granted in April 2004. The Board finds that additional development is needed to determine the earliest date at which he became unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The case is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the cause of any current fecal leakage disability and proper classification of the service connected disability.

The veteran's claims of service connection for hemorrhoids and an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including headaches, lumbosacral strain, left hip strain, allergic rhinitis (claimed as nose/sinus condition), pes planus of the right foot, hemorrhoids, and disability manifested by dizziness.

The veteran's service-connected residual scars, revision status post breast reduction, are rated at a 10 percent evaluation effective March 12, 2004.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the veteran's claims, including VA examinations and a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The VA determined that the veteran's hemorrhoids do not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating, as they are not productive of persistent bleeding, secondary anemia, or fissures.

The Board has determined that there is no medical evidence linking the veteran's hemorrhoids to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a brain aneurysm, ulcer disease, and an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids. The Board found no medical evidence linking any of these conditions to military service.

The veteran's claims for a compensable initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and service connection for hemorrhoids have all been denied. The evidence does not support the establishment of these conditions or theories of service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The VA denied an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for internal hemorrhoids, as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The VA determined that the veteran's hemorrhoids do not meet the criteria for a 20 percent rating under DC 7336, as there is no evidence of secondary anemia or fissures. As such, the veteran's current 10 percent rating remains in effect.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities rated higher than 20 percent and do not materially or substantially contribute to an overall impairment in gaining or retaining employment commensurate with her abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Therefore, she does not meet the criteria for eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31.

The veteran's service connection claims for irritable bowel syndrome, anemia, and a great toe disorder (exostosis) have been granted. The veteran also has service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, left heel spur with plantar fasciitis, gastrointestinal reflux disease, and hemorrhoids. His right ear hearing loss is rated as compensable.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's hemorrhoids, finding that the symptoms more nearly approximate the criteria for this rating.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent for retropatellar pain syndrome of the right knee and a compensable (10 percent) evaluation for hemorrhoids. The veteran's level of disability is not considered to warrant higher ratings under applicable criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current left ankle sprain, cold injury of the feet, or hemorrhoids related to his military service.,As such, these claims for service connection are denied.

The veteran's PTSD and low back disability were granted, while his hemorrhoids and hip disabilities did not meet the criteria for service connection.