Hemorrhoids decisions — 2008

The veteran's combined disability rating is 30%, which does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and assistance or housebound status.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound is remanded due to unclear condition status and outstanding VA records.

The veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and initial evaluations are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining missing treatment records.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hemorrhoids and therefore service connection for this condition is denied. The right ankle disability and scars were evaluated, but no rating assigned as the claim remains pending.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's status post hemorrhoidectomy with fissure in ano, finding that his condition did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for either a low back disability or hemorrhoids.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations to assess the severity of his disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his service-connected hemorrhoids with pruritus ani, as there is no evidence of large or thrombotic hemorrhoids, persistent bleeding, or anemia.

The veteran's claim for service connection for dizziness was denied.,Service connection for a skin disorder of the back, claimed as athletes foot, was denied.,Service connection for hemorrhoids was denied.,Service connection for bilateral pes planus was denied.,Service connection for a low back disorder other than arthritis (claimed as a muscle injury) was denied.,Service connection for a left foot disorder (claimed as numbness and a cold sensation) was denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for hemorrhoids, which were denied in October 1995. The current evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board granted increased disability ratings of 10 percent for service-connected IBS and hemorrhoids, effective May 10, 2004.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance was denied as he does not meet the criteria of needing regular aid and attendance due to his conditions.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses from the Jefferson Surgical Clinic is being remanded to the VAMC for issuance of a statement of the case.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete information and need for additional development, including verification of service periods and obtaining treatment records. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for further action.

The Board granted service connection for hemorrhoids and assigned a non-compensable rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right knee disability. The initial ratings were denied or not provided in the decision summary.

The Board has granted service connection for hemorrhoids and diverticular disease, but did not assign a compensable rating as the evidence does not support higher ratings under the applicable criteria.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have current diagnoses for hemorrhoids, a neck disorder, or vision problems. Service connection is denied for these conditions as they are not shown to be related to service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, as he is unemployed due to his non-service-connected heart problems and COPD.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have diagnoses of certain conditions, and there is no competent medical evidence linking his military service to any current disabilities. Therefore, these claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran should be afforded a VA examination to determine the etiology of his current diagnoses of Bell's palsy and hemorrhoidal skin tags. The appeal is REMANDED for further action.