Hemorrhoids decisions — 2010

The Board has denied all service connection claims, except for PTSD and abdominal scar. The Veteran's bilateral shin splints, left hip quad strain, GERD, stomach ulcer, residuals of a fracture of the right 5th toe, neck disability, abnormal pap test, ovarian cyst, constipation, hemorrhoids, left knee disability, and sinusitis have not been found to be related to her military service.

The Board denied service connection for hemorrhoids and a bilateral hearing loss disability. The evaluation of PTSD and dysthymic disorder remains unchanged at 10 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hemorrhoids, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a bilateral knee disorder, and sleep apnea. The Veteran did not have these conditions during his active military service or any confirmed period of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA).

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 70%, which does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids have been rated as noncompensable prior to February 4, 2008 and at a 10 percent rating from February 4, 2008 to September 30, 2008. Since October 1, 2008, the Veteran is no longer entitled to any compensation for his hemorrhoids as there has been no evidence of recurrent symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal was resolved in part, with the issue of service connection for hypertensive vascular disease denied. The rating for hemorrhoids prior to December 31, 2007 and the issue of a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to June 13, 2008 were not granted. A total disability rating for PTSD was granted from June 13, 2008.

The Board has granted entitlement to service connection for residuals of a right ankle sprain and a right knee disability, finding that these conditions are related to service. Bilateral hearing loss and the rectal condition (including anal fissures and hemorrhoids) were not found to be incurred in service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hemorrhoids, asthma, or chest pains related to his military service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board denied an extraschedular rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected hemorrhoids, finding that the current ratings adequately compensate the degree of disability shown.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and visual problems, as secondary to DM. The issues were related to whether these conditions are caused or aggravated by DM.

The Board found that the overpayment of $4,485.33 was properly created due to the Veteran's incarceration and failure to report it in a timely manner, resulting in an overpayment based on reduced compensation benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for hemorrhoids, finding that he did not have hemorrhoids in service and that his current condition is unrelated to any symptoms reported during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his personnel file and records of exposure in service or jobs, to include asbestos, herbicides, mustard gas, VX gas, white phosphorous or other caustic chemicals. The Veteran must also be afforded a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids, finding that there was no evidence linking the current condition to his active duty service.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to adenocarcinoma of the colon, which is not service-connected. The Board found that none of his service-connected conditions caused or contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims to reopen his service connection for right hand/arm disability and for an increased evaluation for hemorrhoids. The evidence submitted did not meet the criteria for new and material evidence, and there was no indication of a relationship between any current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his hemorrhoids was denied as the evidence did not show persistent bleeding or secondary anemia/fissures, which are required for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and hemorrhoids were granted service connection, with a compensable rating for hemorrhoids assigned effective August 9, 2005.