Hemorrhoids decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, meeting the criteria for SMC.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his hemorrhoids, left wrist fracture, and pseudofolliculitus barbae (PEB) and dry skin were denied. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflected the severity of the disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension is service-connected and aggravated by PTSD. The Board grants a compensable evaluation for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the left femur fracture, fractures of the toes, and hemorrhoids with postoperative perianal abscess are currently rated appropriately at 10%. No compensable rating was assigned for the residuals of a left kidney rupture or chondritis of the sternum.

The Board finds that there is a preponderance of the evidence against the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids. The VA examinations do not show hemorrhoid manifestations of the type described in the criteria for a 10 percent rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's hemorrhoids are currently manifested by mild to moderate internal hemorrhoids with occasional itching and bleeding, but do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as they do not involve large or thrombotic hemorrhoids, irreducible tissue, frequent recurrences, persistent bleeding, or secondary anemia.

The Board finds that the Veteran's stomach disorder, including antral gastritis and other gastrointestinal issues, is not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The VA opinion rendered in May 2010 found it less than 49% likely that PTSD caused or aggravated any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's seasonal allergies and hemorrhoids are related to service, granting their claims for service connection.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids, finding that his condition meets the criteria for a 10 percent rating under DC 7336.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is service-connected, and he was granted a higher initial rating for his ulcerative colitis. The effective date of the grant of service connection for ulcerative colitis remains unchanged at May 3, 2002.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tooth extractions and fillings, claimed as a dental disorder, and for service connection for tooth extractions and fillings for VA dental treatment purposes are denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for hemorrhoids is also denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including hearing loss, headaches, cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, hemorrhoids, digestive disorders, a tumor, facial nerve condition, erectile dysfunction, prostate disability, glaucoma, and skin conditions are all granted. The basis of the presumption is exposure to herbicides during active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's lower back and hemorrhoid disorders are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hemorrhoids are related to service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition. The sinus disorder issue is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, with the exception of those related to hearing loss and arthritis pain. The Veteran was also awarded initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for certain conditions.

The Board has determined that the appellant's hemorrhoids warrant a 20 percent disability rating prior to December 13, 2002, and a 10 percent disability rating thereafter.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids, finding that there is no credible evidence linking current complaints of hemorrhoids to his military service.

The Board denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (T/R) from January 2004 to March 2005 and from December 2005 to September 2006, finding that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the minimum percentage requirements for a T/R.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were generally granted, with some issues remanded. The cervical spine disability was granted a higher rating after April 26, 2006, while other conditions like gastritis, hemorrhoids, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome in the left wrist, PTSD, tinnitus, hypertension, and vertigo/dizziness (claimed as dizziness) were not established as service-connected.