Hemorrhoids decisions — 2009

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service for the bilateral eye condition and denied service connection. For hemorrhoids, there was no showing of continuity of symptoms after service, leading to denial of service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA rectal examination.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected hemorrhoids is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an examination.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for service-connected hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and anal fissure, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on a need for regular aid and attendance of another person or on account of being housebound.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was granted a rating of 20 percent prior to August 26, 2004 and increased to 40 percent from that date. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and hemorrhoids were also granted an increase in their ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities from January 2, 2004, to March 3, 2005, and from December 1, 2005, to September 1, 2006.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for hemorrhoids was granted, with a current evaluation of 10 percent. The rating for rectal scarring from the hemorrhoidectomy remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed back disorder, bilateral hip disorders, and hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no current disability associated with mild brain atrophy, and the lumbar spine disability was not shown to be related to service. The initial compensable ratings for hemorrhoids and status post laparoscopic cholecystectomy were also denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to service and grants service connection for this condition. The Board also finds that there is no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's hemorrhoids and his military service, thus denying service connection.

The Veteran's hemorrhoid disability has been characterized as mild and treated with over-the-counter medication. It has been manifested by occasional bleeding and discomfort, but not large or thrombotic, without persistent bleeding, secondary anemia or fissures.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral glaucoma preexisted his second period of active duty and was aggravated by service. Therefore, service connection is granted for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for panhypopituitarism, and the Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his employability.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence linking the Veteran's current disabilities (bilateral shin splints, left knee disability, respiratory disability, and hemorrhoids) to his military service. Therefore, the claims for these conditions were denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.