Hemorrhoids decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids were rated at 30 percent prior to December 8, 2009, and the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted. From December 8, 2009, the evidence does not support a disability rating greater than 60 percent.

The Veteran's initial ratings for hemorrhoids, aortic insufficiency and mitral regurgitation, onychomycosis of the feet, and anemia have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under applicable rating codes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to address the relationship between his gastrointestinal disability and hemorrhoids with service and any prescribed medication.

The Veteran's appeal for increased compensation for service-connected hemorrhoids was denied. Service connection for sleep apnea and a left ankle disability were also denied, as the evidence did not support their existence or relation to service. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied due to his service-connected hemorrhoids not preventing him from engaging in gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder condition and hemorrhoids are service-connected, with the latter having its initial onset in-service.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis, joint and bone pain, and external hemorrhoids were all found to be service-connected. The decision granted the claims for allergic rhinitis and joint and bone pain but did not address the claim for external hemorrhoids due to lack of a specific appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with metatarsalgia, including residuals of bilateral bunionectomy and Morton's neuroma, is shown to have developed as a result of service.,The Veteran has presented competent and credible evidence that he experienced hemorrhoids since active service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from June 19, 2011 to June 21, 2011 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital were reimbursed as the emergency treatment was deemed necessary due to his severe symptoms and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are too numerous and severe to identify a feasible vocational goal, leading to the denial of his VR&E benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development, specifically the need to obtain private medical records from Dr. Hsiung related to the Veteran's hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids are being remanded for additional development to address the onset of these conditions in service, their relationship to her service-connected urinary frequency disability, and whether they have been caused or aggravated by each other.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by or a result of service-connected disabilities, including hypertension. The cause of death listed on his death certificate was blunt force trauma to the head.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection for his claimed sinus disorder, hemorrhoids, right shoulder disorder, right hip disorder, right knee disorder, and right ankle disorder due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records. The right ear hearing loss, bilateral foot disabilities, prostate disability, and anal disability will be evaluated further.

The Board has granted service connection for a condition of the right hand, wrist, and fingers as secondary to service-connected right elbow disability. The Veteran's other claims are either denied or require further development.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, with the highest combined disability rating of 70%.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing assistance or a special home adaptation grant due to her overall disability picture and lack of impairment in locomotion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids, finding that there was no current diagnosis and noting conflicting statements regarding when the condition began. The VA examiner opined that the hemorrhoids were not incurred or aggravated by active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are rated at 10 percent effective March 12, 2010. The Board finds that the reduction in rating was proper and a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% since June 3, 2004. His tinnitus is service-connected and rated as secondary to his hypothyroidism. The Veteran's bronchitis is not compensable but warrants a rating of 100%. Other conditions are either not shown or do not warrant increased ratings.