Hemorrhoids decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hemorrhoid disorder had its onset during service and is continuous since then, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability, to include as secondary to his service-connected bilateral ankle disabilities, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not demonstrate an etiological relationship between the claimed condition and active duty service.,Prior to June 9, 2011, the Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids was denied. As of June 9, 2011, his claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hemorrhoids was also denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of service connection for a skin rash and left ankle disability prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses for left testicle epididymitis, anemia, colon polyps, internal hemorrhoids, or a right elbow disability. As such, service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.

The Board found that the reduction of the rating for hemorrhoids from 20 percent to 10 percent was improper and restored the original 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diverticulosis has been granted. The Board finds that there is competent and probative medical evidence of record suggesting a relationship between the Veteran's current disability and his active service.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal condition is not service connected as it did not worsen during service. The left foot disability and rectal bleeding are presumed to have occurred in service, but the medical evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and updated VA treatment records are necessary to properly assess the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his generalized anxiety disorder and hemorrhoids. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability from the other claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including arthritis of the knees, ankles and right foot, have resulted in loss of use of both lower extremities such as to preclude locomotion without regular aid of a walker and wheelchair for more than 200 feet. The claim is granted for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for an increased initial rating for hemorrhoids with occasional bleeding and mild fecal leakage, effective April 1, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed substantially or materially to his death, and whether his suicide was related to his severe chronic pain.

The Veteran's claim for extension of a temporary total disability rating beyond June 30, 2008 due to surgery necessitating convalescence was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support an extension based on incomplete healing or immobilization.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had its onset in service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issues of entitlement to service connection for hemorrhoids and a skin disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right eye disability and leg cramps were denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.,For the lumbar strain, left knee disability, and hernia with GERD issues, the Veteran was granted initial ratings but not higher than 20 percent, 10 percent, and 10 percent respectively.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including whether his current PTSD diagnosis can serve as corroborating evidence for his allegations of military sexual assault. Additionally, any recent treatment records should be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records review. The issue of an increased rating for anal fistula remains on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, ischemic heart disease (IHD), tinnitus, right leg neuropathy, left leg neuropathy, hemorrhoids, scleroderma, left eyebrow scar, and erectile dysfunction (ED) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a hernia, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and hemorrhoids. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between any current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for hemorrhoids and service connection for left ear hearing loss have been withdrawn. The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but denied the remaining claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including low back disability, groin injury residuals, pulled abdominal muscle, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), breathing condition (chronic bronchitis), colon cancer, H. pylori infection, diabetes mellitus, gout, and hemorrhoids (precancerous condition). The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting back disorder was not aggravated by any period of active duty or ACDUTRA service.