Hemorrhoids decisions — 2013

The Board has decided the case requires additional development due to the need for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed hemorrhoids and skin conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to consider all submitted evidence and ensure a thorough examination for the Veteran's claimed conditions. The claims are being remanded to allow for this additional review.

The Veteran's appeal of his claim for service connection for hemorrhoids has been dismissed as he withdrew the appeal through his representative.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of her service-connected disabilities on her ability to work.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a hearing and obtaining medical records. The issues of TDIU and service connection for irritable bowel syndrome will be reconsidered in light of the new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder and hemorrhoids do not result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling appropriate examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for hemorrhoids, hypertension, and prostate cancer in August 2002. The new evidence submitted since then does not provide a link between the current conditions and military service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at BMC on December 14, 2009 are eligible for reimbursement as the treatment was necessary due to a non-service-connected condition and other conditions did not preclude such treatment.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for hemorrhoids and colon polyps was denied as the evidence did not establish persistent bleeding or secondary anemia, which are required for a higher rating. The right knee sprain post ACL repair issue is pending further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, effective from January 23, 2009. The decision is based on the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection for a left eye disorder was denied as there is no evidence linking the current condition to his military service.,For hemorrhoids, an initial compensable evaluation prior to March 15, 2013 was denied. From March 15, 2013 onwards, a rating of 20% was granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a compensation and pension examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and an increased evaluation for his right radius fracture with possible arthritis. The Board found that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during service, and the current symptoms were not related to service.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for hemorrhoids, as the June 1992 rating decision considered all available evidence, including post-service VA treatment records and service treatment records. The denial was based on a lack of diagnosis or complaint of hemorrhoids during service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for his service-connected hemorrhoids has been fully granted with a 100% evaluation effective from the date of his original claim.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of entitlement to an initial evaluation for status post right fibula fracture, ankle, beyond 10 percent; entitlement to an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids; and entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral tinea unguium of the feet. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hemorrhoids do not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code. The current symptoms are considered mild or moderate, without large or thrombotic hemorrhoids, persistent bleeding, secondary anemia, or fissures.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for hemorrhoids was denied, as the condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating. The earlier effective date claim for duodenitis/duodenal ulcer remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied, with the exception of a 20 percent rating being granted for residuals of left shoulder sprain effective January 2007.