Hemorrhoids decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's hemorrhoids and IBS were not related to service, as her symptoms did not start during or immediately after her deployment. The conditions are considered direct service connection cases.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since November 1, 2009.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the highest schedular ratings available have been assigned for his hemorrhoids and thigh disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected due to lack of evidence supporting a nexus between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for consideration of extraschedular ratings for hemorrhoids, with a focus on the impact of the Veteran's symptoms and employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed hypertension was not present in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of separation, and is not otherwise causally related to his active service or service-connected hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and low back syndrome, caused him to be substantially confined to his dwelling and immediate premises. However, the need for aid and attendance was not due solely to these service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and theories of causation, including service connection for various disabilities allegedly related to poisoning during service. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, schedule appropriate VA examinations, and consider the Veteran's claims in light of his reported exposures.

The Board has granted a separate rating of 10 percent for impairment of rectal sphincter control with fecal incontinence as of April 21, 2015. The initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids was denied.

The Veteran was granted service connection for vertigo as a residual of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) incurred in-service, and for an acquired psychiatric condition to include PTSD. Service connection was denied for hemorrhoids.,The Veteran's vertigo is linked to his in-service TBI, while his PTSD is related to combat stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been granted, with a specific rating of 20 percent for lumbosacral discogenic disease. The other conditions are rated as compensable.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied. The appellant did not file a timely claim for accrued benefits.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted, but the effective dates are set at November 18, 2011.

The Board has denied reopening of the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted to support these claims.

The Board denied reopening of the claims for diabetes mellitus, eye disability (glaucoma), depression, left hip disability, left ring finger infection, hemorrhoids, and kidney stones. The new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's claim for a rating of 20 percent, since July 3, 2008, for hemorrhoids has been granted. The Board also found that the Veteran had recurrent internal and external hemorrhoids, required prescription medication, had a narrow anal-rectal ring, a papilloma/polyp, a skin tag, chronic anorectal fissure/ulcer, persistent pain, complication prolapse, and underwent resection and associated skin tag and open lateral internal sphincterotomy. The Veteran's claim for service connection for Raynaud's Syndrome and a right shoulder disorder is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for a right hamstring injury or swollen and painful muscles.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids are related to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to April 4, 2014 and granted a rating of 70 percent. The back disorder was rated at 10 percent prior to May 5, 2015 and granted a rating of 20 percent. Right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated as noncompensable prior to May 5, 2015 and granted a rating of 20 percent. Hemorrhoids were rated as noncompensable prior to July 7, 2015 and granted a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted special monthly compensation based on this need.