Hemorrhoids decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis is currently rated at 10 percent, reflecting three to four non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and purulent discharge or crusting.

The Board found that the cause of death, sepsis from an ulcerated tracheostomy site, was not related to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoid disability is rated at 10 percent, effective January 30, 2006. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as there is no objective medical evidence of persistent bleeding or anal fissures.

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

The Veteran is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities, and the Board has determined that a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) should be granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right ear pain, leukoplakia, GERD, bruxism, left knee disability, impingement syndrome of the right shoulder, cervical spine DJD, lumbar spine DJD, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction were denied as there is no current evidence of a diagnosed condition or link to service.

The Veteran's current internal hemorrhoids have been granted service connection. The issue of service connection for headaches remains unresolved as the evidence is insufficient to determine a nexus with service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hemorrhoids and Morton's neuroma of the right foot are both granted as their conditions were first noted during periods of active duty.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current low back disability or hemorrhoids, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the reduction in rating from 10 percent to 0 percent for hemorrhoids was not proper and restored the original 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a disorder manifested by internal bleeding, and residuals of a right wrist injury are pending. The claim for restoration of a 100% rating for residuals of ulcerative colitis, post-ileostomy reversal and closure is denied. The claim for increased rating for hemorrhoids is denied. The claim for compensable rating for scars due to abdominal surgery remains non-compensable.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication due to insufficient information regarding service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder for accrued benefits, as well as additional development needed for the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids with fissures in ano are manifested by intermittent bleeding and fissures, warranting a disability rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, and therefore DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right ankle sprain and associated conditions, osteoarthritis of the hips, and hypertension, are rated at a combined 70 percent. However, they do not preclude him from engaging in any regular substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, hemorrhoids, and right knee arthritis do not warrant an initial compensable disability rating. The RO should obtain any missing VA examination reports and ensure all relevant evidence is associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are not large or thrombotic, irreducible with excessive redundant tissue, and do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7336. As such, he is denied an increased rating.

The Veteran's bilateral eye disability, including residuals of cataract surgeries and detached left retina, right shoulder disorder, right hip disorder, right knee disorder, and right ankle disorder are all found to be related to his active service. The claims for sinus disorder and hemorrhoids are not addressed as they were not part of the appeal.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence of a current rectal disability, including hemorrhoids, and thus the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to lack of recent VA examination reports and missing medical records.