Hemorrhoids decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain outstanding VA and private medical records, as well as for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his hypertension and hemorrhoids.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current colon disorders, including diverticulitis/diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome, were not caused or aggravated by his active duty service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU prior to August 15, 2000. The RO granted a TDIU effective from August 15, 2000, based on his combined disability rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids prior to May 21, 2007 or on and after September 1, 2007 was denied as his hemorrhoids did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during any of these periods.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hemorrhoids is granted, as the evidence shows a current disability and an in-service onset. The claim for GERD is denied, as there is no credible evidence of its onset during service.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability related to service for the claimed conditions. Service connection was not granted for tinnitus, but denied for all other claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings or a TDIU based on her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal, accepting the most recent decision of the RO which addressed each issue now on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids and residuals of trauma to scalp and forehead do not warrant an increased evaluation, as their current manifestations are not severe enough to meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals were rated at 60 percent prior to August 23, 2007. The RO granted a TDIU rating effective from that date.,The Veteran was found eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code, as of August 23, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and is not related to his service-connected PTSD. The claim for service connection for hemorrhoids remains pending as it has been remanded.

The Veteran's right leg sciatica and low back disability are found to be service-connected, with a 10% rating for hemorrhoids. The initial compensable rating of 10% is granted for the bilateral foot disability (hallux valgus).

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids were rated at 20 percent prior to April 23, 2013 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating under any applicable criteria.

Your claims are being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board. You will be notified of the date, time, and location of this hearing at your address of record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's ability to engage in substantially gainful employment. The TDIU issue will be returned to the RO for issuance of a statement of the case and subsequent appellate review.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO/AMC for additional development of his claims, including a review of new evidence and readjudication.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spondylolysis and strain with dextroscoliosis, left knee DJD with PFS, right knee DJD with PFS, allergic rhinitis, and hemorrhoids have been granted initial evaluations. The lumbar condition received a noncompensable evaluation prior to June 25, 2008, and a 10 percent evaluation from that date forward. The left and right knee conditions each received a 10 percent evaluation effective May 1, 2006. Allergic rhinitis was assigned a noncompensable evaluation, while hemorrhoids were given a noncompensable evaluation.

The Veteran's duodenal diverticulitis with irritable bowel syndrome was rated at 30 percent effective from December 12, 2011. The rating for hemorrhoids remains non-compensable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hemorrhoids do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his symptoms are consistent with the current noncompensable evaluation. The evidence does not show persistent bleeding or secondary anemia due to hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for ED, hemorrhoids, or hypothyroidism.