Hemorrhoids decisions — 2016

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated as 40 percent disabling effective November 12, 2013. The rating for hemorrhoids remains noncompensable. Both conditions are not service-connected.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for a higher initial rating in excess of 30 percent for fasciotomy, left foot with plantar fasciitis prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are manifested by persistent bleeding and occasional pain on intermittent, recurrent flare-ups. They do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support earlier effective dates prior to January 14, 2014, for the grant of service connection for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and right knee patellar chondromalacia with patellofemoral syndrome. The Veteran's hemorrhoids were rated as noncompensable.

The Board has granted service connection for hemorrhoids and anal fissures, finding that the Veteran's current disability is etiologically related to his active military service. The issues of increased ratings for lumbosacral spine and left leg varicose veins disabilities are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for internal hemorrhoids with external scarring is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.