Hemorrhoids decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids, allergic rhinitis, and headaches have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development to determine his ability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's pelvic neuralgia, status post right orchiectomy, was found to be due to removal of one testis and not related to service. The disability has resulted in pain but no deformity.,Erectile dysfunction caused by chronic pain did not result in a penile deformity. Medication is required for the Veteran's erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids have been rated at 10 percent since February 9, 2012. The Board has found that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's condition more nearly approximates a 10 percent disability rating for this period.

The Veteran's hypertension and hemorrhoids claims have been denied. The Board found no evidence of service connection for hypertension within one year post-service, and the VA examiner opined that there was insufficient evidence to link his current diagnosis to service. For hemorrhoids, the Board noted that the most recent examination did not show any active bleeding or symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids do not warrant a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran is entitled to an annual clothing allowance for the year 2013 due to his use of a VA-provided ankle brace that causes premature wearing of his clothing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened. The Board has not found new and material evidence to reopen the claims of service connection for hiatal hernia, bilateral hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, a disability manifested by loss of smell, or a sleep disability (to include sleep apnea).

The Veteran's hemorrhoids have been rated at 10 percent since September 11, 2003. The Board has granted a separate 10 percent rating for leakage due to hemorrhoids during the period from September 11, 2003, to October 23, 2011. For the period beginning October 24, 2011, the Veteran's condition does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids do not warrant a compensable rating at any point during the period under review.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a hemorrhoids disability due to new and material evidence. However, further examination is needed to determine if any current hemorrhoids disability is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for axillary hyperhidrosis, recurring cystitis, hemorrhoids, and residuals of left ankle injury are granted. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding these conditions having onset or persistence during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits were denied across multiple conditions and disabilities. The appeal is not about any presumptive exposure to Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, or other specific bases.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for hemorrhoids was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation. The claim for TDIU was also denied due to insufficient service-connected disabilities meeting the required percentage thresholds.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including knee and ankle disabilities. The Board finds that some of these claims are based on secondary theories of entitlement to the right knee disability. The appeal is therefore considered 'mixed' as it includes both granted and denied issues.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and hemorrhoids, but denied the claims for left and right knee disorders due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for left knee, right knee, and low back disabilities as well as his claim for service connection for hemorrhoids. However, no new rating assigned as the evidence does not warrant a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for recurrent hemorrhoids and assigned a 20 percent disability rating for right shoulder tendonitis since June 4, 2013.