Hemorrhoids decisions — 2015

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including a Social and Industrial Survey to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines, digestive disorder, intervertebral disc syndrome of the left lower extremity, chronic sinusitis, digestive disorder (impaired sphincter control), lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, and hemorrhoids, met the percentage requirements for a TDIU from February 27, 2012 to December 10, 2014.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims regarding dizziness, a rating in excess of 30 percent for ulcerative colitis, a compensable rating for hemorrhoids, and an earlier effective date for service connection for bronchitis.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities and new claims. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the issuance of a Statement of the Case on certain issues, including those involving sleep apnea and hemorrhoids/dizziness.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hernia or hemorrhoids related to his military service and therefore denied both claims.

The Veteran's internal hemorrhoids are currently rated at a 10 percent rating for the entire period on appeal, as his symptoms more closely approximate the criteria for this rating than a noncompensable rating.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The case is now remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for status post hemorrhoidectomy cannot be reopened as there is no new and material evidence presented.

The Veteran's loss of rectal sphincter control associated with hemorrhoids and anal fissure is currently rated at 60 percent, effective May 31, 2012. The Veteran is also entitled to a separate rating for his internal and external hemorrhoids. Prior to August 27, 2014, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for residuals of a fracture of the right elbow, hemorrhoids, and left partial parotidectomy. The effective date for the award of a 10 percent disability rating for residuals of a left partial parotidectomy was not established.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disorders have been attributed to known clinical diagnoses of chondromalacia patella, osteoarthritis, and patellofemoral syndrome. The claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders are denied as the disorders are not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident during service.

The Veteran's initial claim for an initial compensable disability rating for hemorrhoids was denied by the Board. The evidence did not show any findings of large, thrombotic or irreducible hemorrhoids, excessive redundant tissue, frequent recurrences, persistent bleeding, or secondary anemia or fissures.

The Veteran's service-connected anal fistula and hemorrhoids do not meet the criteria for SMC as he is not in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings of right and left shoulder bursitis, as well as the compensable rating for hemorrhoids. The remaining issues of service connection for optic neuropathy, COPD, and peripheral neuropathy are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD, left knee disability, and right knee disability was granted. However, the Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for any of these conditions.,Service connection for hemorrhoids was also granted but with a noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's low back disability, hypertension, residuals of urethral stricture and surgical repair, and hemorrhoids have been granted initial ratings of 10 percent each. The effective date is November 1, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, thus meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for additional examinations and evaluations of his claimed hemorrhoids and bilateral foot disabilities. The case will be returned to the Board for further action.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for hemorrhoids was denied, and the Board found that there were no external or internal hemorrhoids meeting the criteria for a higher rating. The right ankle disability claim is remanded as it lacks an opinion regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and psychotic disorder, cervical spine disability, low back disability, tinnitus, shell fragment wound scars, hemorrhoids, and left ear hearing loss, result in painful, limited motion that impairs his ability to perform employment of both a physical and sedentary nature. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these disabilities prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.