Hemorrhoids decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss of use of a lower extremity, and therefore he does not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing assistance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, an evaluation for major depression in excess of 30 percent prior to May 3, 2012, and in excess of 50 percent from May 3, 2012, a compensable initial evaluation for hemorrhoids, extension beyond February 29, 2008, of a temporary total rating for service-connected major depression, and TDIU were all denied.

The Veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings for irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids prior to October 18, 2012, has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in March 2013.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic gastritis with IBS and hemorrhoids have been granted, with the rating for gastritis now at 30 percent and the rating for hemorrhoids now at 20 percent effective October 24, 2011.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that his metastatic carcinoma was not related to his military service and that his anemia associated with hemorrhoids did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The case is being remanded due to the Veteran's desire for a hearing and the need to issue an SOC on the service connection issues.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids have been manifested by pain and recurrent bleeding, but do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to an outstanding request for a Travel Board Hearing. The case will be scheduled for the appropriate hearing.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2 is currently rated at 10 percent and effective May 28, 2011. The Veteran is granted a separate initial compensable rating for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity prior to May 28, 2011, but not in excess of 10 percent thereafter. Erectile dysfunction is also rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's initial rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was increased to 20 percent effective September 9, 2010. The Veteran's hemorrhoids were rated as non-compensable prior to November 19, 2012 and now rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected arthritis of the lumbosacral spine and hemorrhoids do not render him unemployable due to their combined effect, as his disabilities are not severe enough to prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and assigned a 10 percent rating for bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's hemorrhoids are not considered to have been incurred in service.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 20 percent for service-connected hemorrhoids from February 14, 2008, through June 21, 2010. Since June 22, 2010, the Veteran's hemorrhoids do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and PTSD, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board finds that the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance are met.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and reopening of service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides, and thus could not grant service connection based on herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a more recent VA examination to evaluate his service-connected hemorrhoids with anal fissure.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral eye dryness, atypical chest pain, chronic congestive epididymitis (residual of vasectomy), rhinitis, asthma, hemorrhoids with rectal fissure, nephrolithiasis, residual scar from ganglion cystectomy, and residuals of cubital tunnel syndrome have been granted. The Veteran's service connection claims for increased ratings are denied.,The Veteran has a current disability manifested by bilateral eye dryness that is not considered a disability under VA compensation laws. His atypical chest pain was incurred in service and is considered a qualifying chronic disability.

The Veteran's residuals of hemorrhoidectomy are currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds that the evidence does not show current symptoms warranting a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his hemorrhoids was denied as the evidence did not show persistent bleeding or secondary anemia, which are required for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left kidney disorders, as well as his claim for service connection for hemorrhoids have been withdrawn. The Board has determined that the Veteran no longer wishes to pursue these claims.,Service connection for hypertension was denied because there is insufficient evidence linking it to service.