Hemorrhoids decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 20% disability evaluation for service-connected hemorrhoids cannot be granted as there is no factually ascertainable evidence demonstrating an increase in disability prior to July 11, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae and a rating in excess of 20 percent for hemorrhoids, finding that his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA's rating schedule.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability evaluations or service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an initial, compensable rating for sleep apnea prior to December 13, 2005 and service connection for hemorrhoids and a bilateral foot disability. The RO continues to deny these claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA pension examination to determine the nature, extent, and severity of his disabilities.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The specific claims of higher ratings for spontaneous pneumothorax with bullous emphysema and hemorrhoids are still pending.

The VA denied a compensable rating for hemorrhoids, citing that the veteran's symptoms have remained moderate and not appreciably changed since his claim was received in March 2004.