Hemorrhoids decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected hemorrhoids is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an updated VA examination.

The Veteran is granted a 100 percent evaluation for chronic renal insufficiency effective June 1, 2003. The claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at John Muir Medical Center on November 5th and 6th, 2008 were denied as the treatment was not for an emergent disability.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids warrant a 10% evaluation, but the issue of whether his TMJ disorder is secondary to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea and/or sinusitis remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids have not been shown to warrant a compensable rating, as they do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under DC 7336.,The Veteran's service-connected hydrocele has been rated based on voiding dysfunction and is currently assigned a noncompensable disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal disability (including IBS), as well as his requests for increased ratings for PTSD. The Veteran was also denied effective date claims related to his PTSD and TDIU benefits.

The Veteran's current residuals of a hemorrhoidectomy, to include hemorrhoids, disability is found to be related to service and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of his claims file. The RO will arrange for an examination by a VA physician to assess whether his service-connected disabilities, alone or in combination with any non-service connected conditions, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current low bowel disorder, to include hemorrhoids. The residuals of the GSW, left lower leg are well-healed and do not meet the criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for peptic ulcer disease, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are characterized by continuous moderate manifestations of constipation, stomach pain, epigastric burning, intermittent diarrhea and regurgitation. The preponderance of evidence does not support higher ratings.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent prior to May 4, 2007 and at 40 percent beginning from that date. His irritable bowel syndrome warrants a 10 percent evaluation. The Veteran's bilateral shin splints do not meet the criteria for any compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's combined rating of 80 percent due to service-connected disabilities does not meet the criteria for a TDIU, as her disabilities are rated at least 40% and she meets the percentage requirements. The Board finds no persuasive evidence suggesting that her service-connected disabilities render her unemployable.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 20 percent evaluation for hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding due to anal fissure, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for such rating prior to May 18, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unemployable, as she is currently employed in an administrative/personnel capacity.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining terminal treatment records and clarifying a previous VA medical opinion regarding whether service-connected conditions contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. Further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids and allergic rhinitis.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for bowel incontinence, finding that the appellant's condition is moderate and warrants a 10 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates are not warranted, as there is no evidence of an increase in severity within one year prior to the date of receipt of his claims.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids were rated at 10 percent prior to December 23, 2008 and at 20 percent thereafter. The Veteran's shell fragment wounds right forearm with scars resulted in a 10 percent rating.,The Veteran's tinnitus was rated at 10 percent since October 23, 2007.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of hemorrhoids is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.