Hemorrhoids decisions — 2016

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluations for residual scars and hemorrhoids have been denied.,The Veteran has service-connected residuals from a right femur fracture, which resulted in scars. However, the current evaluation of 30% is not considered appropriate as there are no indications of instability or pain that would warrant an additional rating under Diagnostic Code 7804.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected costochondritis warrants a 10% disability rating, but not higher. The initial compensable ratings for hemorrhoids and onychomycosis of toenails are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions and their relationship to service.

The Veteran is granted special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his seizure disorder, which requires assistance from others to protect him from daily hazards.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for lupus. The Veteran's claim for residuals of cesarean section and hemorrhoids was remanded but no further examination or evaluation has been conducted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's hemorrhoids did not meet criteria for a compensable rating, and her GAD was rated appropriately at 30 percent. Service connection for hysterectomy residuals could not be established.

The Board has granted service connection for internal hemorrhoids, keratoconus of both eyes, and sinusitis. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim is pending as the evidence does not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the February 2012 rating decision denying compensation under section 1151 for additional disability due to VA dental treatment remains pending. The August 1967 denial of service connection for hemorrhoids has been withdrawn by the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are granted.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids, status postoperative with anal stricture, are currently rated at 20 percent effective November 29, 2010. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hemorrhoids, which are manifested by persistent bleeding with some itching and swelling, do not warrant a compensable rating at any time during the period on appeal. The preponderance of evidence is against the assignment of an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids.

The Board found that the Veteran's hemorrhoid disability, which was accompanied by persistent bleeding and secondary anemia, more closely approximated the criteria for a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7336. The claim is therefore granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have or had arthritis of either hand, a left knee disorder, left foot plantar fasciitis, or hemorrhoids during the appellate period. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's combined rating of 40 percent for his service-connected disabilities was correctly calculated by the RO in its April 2011 decision. The appeal for a combined rating in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any current bilateral knee disability, back disability, and psychiatric disability. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for colon disorder and hemorrhoids, finding that these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by her active duty. The Board also found that they are not proximately due to or a result of her service-connected anal fissures with sphincter impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance of another person, nor does he require assistance in attending to the ordinary hazards of daily living. The Board finds that there is insufficient evidence to grant special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation between June 22, 2011 and June 5, 2012, and as of August 1, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome, to include degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, postoperative was granted a disability rating in excess of 20 percent as of October 22, 2015. However, prior to this date, his claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent was denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids, service connection for a low back disorder, hypertension, and coronary artery disease were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting any of these claims.