Hemorrhoids decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disorders is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a TDIU as there was no showing of inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities alone.

The Board has granted an initial compensable rating of 10% for the Veteran's service-connected internal hemorrhoids, effective October 1, 2005.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids warrant an initial compensable rating of 10 percent, effective from the date of service connection.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss with tinnitus, and hemorrhoids are presumed to have been incurred in service. The low back disorder is not related to service, but the knee disorders are considered presumptively due to exposure to burn pits. No effective date was assigned as all conditions were granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess current severity.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies in the medical record and the need for further examination of the Veteran's hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a digestive disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for a higher rating of tinnitus. The Board found that the Veteran meets the criteria for an initial 10 percent rating for residuals of right foot injury.

The Board has determined that there is no medical evidence or opinion linking the Veteran's current diverticulosis of the colon and hemorrhoids to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected left hip bursitis and hemorrhoids are currently rated as 20 percent and noncompensable, respectively. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids have not been shown to meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, as there is no evidence of persistent bleeding with secondary anemia or fissures.

The Board denied a rating higher than 10 percent for impairment of sphincter control resulting from hemorrhoidectomy after October 7, 2004.

The Board found no evidence linking the cause of the Veteran's death to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and increased the Veteran's disability rating to 70 percent effective March 23, 2009. The claim for higher ratings on other issues remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a comprehensive examination to consider all of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their combined effect on his employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, SSA records, and a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his currently diagnosed hemorrhoids.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing examinations to address the etiology of his claimed conditions. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Board granted service connection for residuals of a hemorrhoidectomy, including the claimed rectal surgery. Service connection was denied for hepatitis.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for hemorrhoids was granted, and he is now rated at 30 percent. The claims to reopen his previously denied claims for migraines and IBS were both denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hiatal hernia and total disability evaluation under 38 C.F.R. 4.30 was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.