Hemorrhoids decisions — 2014

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to the need for additional medical examination and records. The appellant's service treatment records show he had hemorrhoids during his active duty training (ADT) from May to August 2005, and he is seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been rated at 50 percent since August 17, 2011. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise with respect to whether the Veteran has experienced very frequent and prolonged migraine headaches that have been completely prostrating and likely productive of severe economic inadaptability throughout the entire appellate period.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, finding no current disabilities or evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran's claims for evaluations of his lumbar degenerative disc disease, hemorrhoids, and GERD have been denied. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have prolapse of the rectum and therefore, a separate evaluation for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's lumbar disc herniation with IVDS, hemorrhoids, and right upper extremity neurological damage have been rated based on their respective service-connected conditions. The TDIU claim prior to February 3, 2011 has also been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder or hemorrhoids, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids is being remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination and consideration of additional treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.