Hemorrhoids decisions — 2016

The Board has granted a 10% disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids, effective from December 17, 2010. Additionally, a separate 10% rating is assigned for fecal leakage associated with the hemorrhoids.

The Board found that the June 2006 VA digital rectal examination did not cause an additional disability of the rectum or anus, nor did it aggravate a preexisting disability.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids are not productive of large or thrombotic hemorrhoids which are irreducible with excessive redundant tissue, thus the criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions including a lumbar spine disability, hemorrhoids, hernia, an acquired psychiatric disorder, left leg sciatic nerve damage, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address these claims.,The Veteran seeks service connection for hemorrhoids. VA treatment records document current treatment for this condition. He also testified about having bloody stools in service. No opinion was provided regarding the relationship between his hemorrhoids and military service.,The Veteran seeks service connection for a hernia. VA treatment records document current treatment for this condition. He also testified about experiencing symptoms related to hemorrhoids such as bloody stools since discharge from service. No opinion was provided regarding the relationship between his hernia and military service.,The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to tinnitus. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address these claims.,The Veteran seeks service connection for left leg sciatic nerve damage, which he contends is related to his lumbar spine disability. No opinion was provided regarding the relationship between his left leg sciatic nerve damage and military service or his lumbar spine disability.,The Veteran seeks a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. VA treatment records document current treatment for this condition. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address these claims.,The Veteran seeks TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. No opinion was provided regarding the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating as there is no competent medical evidence of large or thrombotic, irreducible hemorrhoids with frequent recurrence. The current noncompensable rating remains appropriate.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling examinations, and considering the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and associated complications, necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person to manage his insulin pump and administer insulin.

The Veteran's left quadriceps muscle disability, hemorrhoids, and left knee scar have been rated based on the severity of their symptoms and functional impairment. The initial rating for each condition has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of anal fissure, wart removal and rectal abscess are rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7332. The Veteran's internal and external hemorrhoids are not compensably disabling.

The Veteran meets the percentage requirements for TDIU due to one service-connected disability rated at 60 percent or more, and his cognitive disorder has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for hemorrhoids, denied all other claims.

The Veteran's asthma and hemorrhoids were found to have onset in service, warranting service connection. The cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent based on forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees, with a combined range of motion greater than 170 degrees. Tension headaches are separately evaluated.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn, and his claims for diabetes mellitus and weight control problems or obesity have not met the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently non-compensable as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7101.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, combined with his non-service-connected back and joint conditions, has rendered him unemployable. However, this determination is based on his non-service-connected disabilities rather than solely on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities were denied as the Veteran did not report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's BPPV was found to have its inception in service and continued since service, granting service connection for this condition. The other issues were not addressed due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and a skin condition of the face have not been granted. The claim for non-service-connected pension has also been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service-connected conditions are not rated higher than the current assigned ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with examinations to assess his lumbar spine and hemorrhoid disabilities, as well as determining the nature and etiology of any cervical spine disability. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.