Hemorrhoids decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids were productive of persistent bleeding with secondary anemia or fissures from October 28, 2005 to May 1, 2007. The disability was rated at 20 percent during this period.

The Board granted the appellant's claims for an increased evaluation of 30 percent for diverticulosis, abdominal muscle cramping residuals from paraspinal schwannoma excision, and non-muscle residuals of paraspinal schwannoma excision. The claim for service connection for sinusitis was dismissed due to lack of appeal.

The Veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant were denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's bladder and kidney disability is not service-connected, but he was granted compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for his condition due to VA treatment. The claim for service connection of the bladder and kidney disability remains pending. The claim for reopening of the hemorrhoids claim has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he does not have external or internal hemorrhoids that meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his hemorrhoids and left knee disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of hemorrhoids, finding that no informal claim was made prior to July 17, 1997.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the Veteran's authorized representative.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hemorrhoids, mild, also claimed as a bowel disorder. The evidence received since the November 1983 rating decision is new and material, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, body strain including the chest, back, and abdomen, and a left knee disability. However, additional development is needed prior to appellate review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left knee replacement, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right knee degenerative joint disease, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment. The Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the April 2003 RO decision does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating any of the claims for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for compensable ratings for hemorrhoids and dermatophytosis, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current manifestations of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of a left inguinal hernia status post repair are likely due to an injury during his period of active duty for training (ADT) in USMCR, and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected conditions is 30%, which does not meet the schedular requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for headaches, the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 8100. The other issues remain unchanged with noncompensable ratings.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids and service connection for gastrectomy residuals were both denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of extraschedular evaluations.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, residuals of a head injury, residuals of a back injury, and residuals of bilateral knee injuries. The claim for service connection for hemorrhoids was also denied.