Hemorrhoids decisions — 2010

The Board denied service connection for internal hemorrhoids, right knee disability, pes planus, lumbar strain, and arthralgia of the hands and fingers due to lack of a current diagnosis or chronic condition during service.

The Board has granted service connection for hemorrhoids as secondary to service-connected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The remaining claims are pending further development and adjudication.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for hemorrhoids was withdrawn. The Board granted a 30 percent rating for the residuals of a fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the left foot, which more nearly approximates a severe foot injury.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all seven issues, including service connection claims and initial compensable ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone are found to preclude substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee degenerative joint disease and hemorrhoids were denied. The initial rating of 10 percent for right knee disability was not granted, and the claim for an initial staged rating in excess of 10 percent for hemorrhoids from November 1, 2006 was also denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left toe arthritis was denied, as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a more severe disability. His pension claim was also denied due to the presence of other nonservice-connected disabilities that prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or related to any service-connected disability, including his sinusitis. The cause of death was determined to be a crushing injury from a motor vehicle accident.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability of either ear as defined by VA regulations, and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses for an ultrasound in September 2006 was denied as all three statutory and regulatory criteria under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1728 and 38 C.F.R. § 17.120 were not met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since March 22, 2006. Prior to that date, he was able to secure and follow such an occupation.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied an initial compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids. The Veteran's current conditions do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The appellant's combined rating for service-connected disabilities is 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claimed bilateral ankle, shin, knee, hip, low back, and hemorrhoid disorders are not service-connected as they were not present in service or caused by his service-connected pes planus valgus with calcaneal fat pad syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of sciatic neuropathy, back muscle spasm, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, decreased libido, or penile deformity. The evidence does not support service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service records are unavailable and additional development is needed to determine if he had any in-service disabilities or symptoms. The claims will be remanded for further action.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for his service-connected hemorrhoids, finding that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7336.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of anal fistula and hemorrhoids was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The combined disability rating of 70 percent was correctly calculated.