Hemorrhoids decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, hemorrhoids, a chorioretinal scar, and right ear hearing loss were denied as there is no credible evidence of in-service stressors or current disabilities related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional records from Social Security Administration (SSA). The case will be readjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for further development on the claims of service connection for hypertension and increased rating for hemorrhoids. The Veteran's hypertension is suspected to have onset in or was caused by service, while his hemorrhoids are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO in San Diego, California for scheduling a videoconference Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's initial claim for hemorrhoids prior to October 7, 2004 was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. However, after October 7, 2004, he received a 10% disability rating for impairment of sphincter control resulting from hemorrhoidectomy.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and opinion regarding his employability given his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the reduction of ratings for allergic rhinitis and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine were proper, but denied the severance of service connection for hemorrhoids due to lack of evidence of aggravation during active duty.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids is denied as the evidence does not show large or thrombotic hemorrhoids with excessive redundant tissue.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for residuals of hemorrhoidectomy was denied as he failed to attend the scheduled VA examination without providing good cause.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and residuals of a head injury, but has not decided whether these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids with anal fissure and residual anal incontinence, as well as myositis of the cervical spine (claimed as neck and upper back) and shoulders were denied. The Board found that separate ratings are not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is being remanded due to incomplete information from VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder and a rectal disorder, but denied service connection for chest pain.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are currently evaluated as zero percent disabling (non-compensable). The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against his claim for an initial compensable rating for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids and post-operative residuals of a duodenal ulcer were denied as there was no evidence to support the requested higher ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, finding no evidence of a pending claim prior to August 6, 2003, for service connection. The claims were also denied for service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Florida Hospital - Ormond Memorial on February 28, 2008 was denied as the treatment did not meet the statutory definition of 'emergency treatment'. The Board found that the emergency room visit was not a medical emergency and thus VA could not provide payment.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings and service connection claims. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent disabling for his service-connected internal and external hemorrhoids, and residuals of cystectomy for bladder cancer (claimed as urostomy) were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for hemorrhoids and tinnitus, as well as service connection for dizziness and vertigo secondary to his hearing loss and tinnitus, was denied by the Board. The decision found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids prior to February 19, 2010 or after that date. His claim for increased ratings for bilateral tinnitus is also denied as it has reached its maximum schedular rating of 10 percent. For hearing loss, he was assigned a zero percent (noncompensable) rating due to the nature and severity of his hearing impairment.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records and to provide him with appropriate VA examinations. The claims will be remanded for these actions.