Hemorrhoids decisions — 2015

The Veteran was found unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due solely to the effects of service-connected disabilities for the entire period on appeal prior to May 4, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private medical records, scheduling new examinations, and affording the Veteran a hearing if requested.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, and he is currently rated at 30 percent for PTSD with adjustment disorder. The initial compensable rating of 10 percent for hemorrhoids has been granted. Service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and pulmonary disorder due to asbestos exposure have also been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's disabilities did not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for Aid and Attendance of another person (A&A) or being housebound.

The Veteran's service connection claims for tuberculosis, hepatitis, chronic allergic conjunctivitis of the eyes, sinusitis, and heart murmur were granted. He was also granted a noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and allergic rhinitis. The claim for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, hemorrhoids, and inguinal hernia with right testicle pain is pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a disability involving the left lower eyelid has been withdrawn. The remaining issues of service connection for hemorrhoids and low back disability are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations and providing a list of the appellant's periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing. The issues include service connection claims, increased rating claims, and effective date claims.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and treatment records. The case will be adjudicated again after these are obtained.

The Board granted service connection for a mood disorder with depressive features and increased the rating to 70 percent effective October 15, 2012. The Veteran's other claims were either denied or not addressed in this decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids have been manifested by mild or moderate symptoms, and do not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that recoupment of the Veteran's separation pay is proper, but a waiver of this recoupment is not warranted due to lack of legal merit.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left and right knee disabilities, shoulder disabilities, cervical spine disability, and other conditions, collectively preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding his employability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for duodenal ulcer disease and a compensable rating for hemorrhoids. The issues regarding service connection for hernia, TDIU, and the effective date are not addressed as they are considered 'unknown'.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a colon disability was reopened, and he is now entitled to an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids and umbilical hernia.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae has not met the criteria for a higher rating as it does not involve 20 percent or more of the entire body or exposed areas affected, nor systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of six weeks or more.,The Veteran's internal hemorrhoids have not manifested in large or thrombotic, irreducible, with excessive redundant tissue, evidencing frequent recurrences; persistent bleeding and secondary anemia; or fissures. Therefore, they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the claims of service connection for hypertension, shortness of breath due to lung and liver problems, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea and hemorrhoids.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hernia and hemorrhoids due to a lack of VA examinations and medical opinions. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his hernia and hemorrhoids.