Hemorrhoids decisions — 2016

The Veteran's impairment of sphincter control, status post hemorrhoidectomy, has been granted a 30 percent rating effective July 28, 2008. The lumbar spine disability remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn, and the claims are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hemorrhoids do not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable disability rating, as they are manifested by mild to moderate severity without large or thrombotic hemorrhoids, irreducible, with excessive redundant tissue, evidencing frequent recurrences.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, and thus granted service connection for these conditions. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right ear hearing loss, a right ankle disability, hemorrhoids, and a psychiatric disability remain pending.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on December 20, 2010 at St. Joseph Hospital were denied as the services were not authorized in advance by VA and there was no emergency condition warranting immediate treatment.

The Board has granted service connection for the claimed conditions and assigned an initial disability rating of 10 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, left hip radiculopathy, and right hip radiculopathy are service-connected. The Veteran's upper extremity disabilities and hemorrhoids are not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected hypertension and hemorrhoids are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations, as well as the retrieval of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus, left and right calcaneal spurs, hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome with diverticulitis have been rated as noncompensable (0 percent) since September 1, 2009. The Board has determined that a higher initial disability rating of 10 percent is warranted for the calcaneal spur disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder has been reopened. His PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and his hemorrhoids are not compensable.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hemorrhoids was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including updated employment and educational history, VA treatment records, and a comprehensive examination to determine the severity of her service-connected disabilities and their impact on her employability.

The Veteran's treatment for hemorrhoids at a private medical facility was authorized by VA, and he is entitled to reimbursement for the expenses incurred.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and service treatment records. The Veteran's IBS and hemorrhoids are being evaluated to determine if they are related to his service-connected condition or incurred during service.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed hemorrhoids had their onset in service and the Board grants service connection for hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids and sphincter impairment are currently rated at the maximum disability ratings provided under their respective Diagnostic Codes. The Board finds no basis for assigning higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for an opinion on whether a service-connected disability caused or contributed to cause the Veteran's death, specifically addressing his in-service cardiorespiratory arrest and its potential relation to any heart disorder that led to his fatal myocardial infarction.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is granted, effective from May 11, 2009, the date he was awarded service connection for residuals of a cerebrovascular accident with left foot drop and expressive aphasia.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracic and lumbar spine disability most likely contributed to his loss of use of his feet, which meets the criteria for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids have not met the criteria for a compensable rating since March 23, 2012.