Hemorrhoids decisions — 2008

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for hemorrhoids was denied as the law is dispositive in this matter.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder and assigned a noncompensable rating. The veteran's initial compensable rating claim for hemorrhoids with history of anal fissure is also granted, but her request for an increased rating for the left shoulder disorder remains pending.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material for any of the service connection claims, thus denying their reopening.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her claims, including VA examinations to assess the severity of her hemorrhoids and lumbar spine disability.

The veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has found that there is no evidence of a current disability related to the veteran's right hand condition, foot problems, or hemorrhoids. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The VA denied a compensable rating for the veteran's hemorrhoids, finding that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by or a result of his service-connected conditions, including diabetes mellitus and postoperative left thoracotomy with pleurectomy. The medical evidence did not support a connection between these conditions and the cause of death.

The Board found that the veteran's symptoms are not due to his service-connected hemorrhoids and denied a compensable evaluation for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a left ring finger dislocation do not warrant an initial compensable evaluation. The issue of external hemorrhoids is remanded for further development.

The veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD.,His claim for an increased rating for hemorrhoids was also denied, as the evidence did not support a higher rating than 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding no current evidence of these disabilities and noting that they were not related to service.

The veteran's increased ratings for herniated nucleus pulposus, lumbar spine and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were granted. The other conditions remained at noncompensable or zero percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for spondylosis, lumbar spine; chondromalacia, right knee with cyst; hiatal hernia; and hemorrhoids. The claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn by the veteran.

The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31 was denied due to his failure to cooperate in the pursuit of vocational services and maintain satisfactory conduct.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions are not shown to be related to active service.

The veteran's increased ratings for recurrent kidney stones and headaches were granted, while his rating for hemorrhoids was denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The VA found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability evaluations or service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, GERD with abdominal pain, and a residual abdominal scar. The claim for an initial compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids was also denied.