Hemorrhoids decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's disability manifested by hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding is as likely as not related to his active military service, granting service connection for this condition. The sinus issue remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disorder and hemorrhoids, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent, the highest possible rating under VA guidelines. The RO should also consider whether he is eligible for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids, including whether it is related to his service-connected IBS. The case is therefore being remanded.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids have been evaluated as noncompensable due to their mild or moderate symptomatology, and the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that they are large or thrombotic, irreducible, with excessive redundant tissue, evidencing frequent recurrences.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of hemorrhoids, lumbar spine disability, lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral knee disabilities, or an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder) related to service. The right hip disability is also not supported by evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for lower urinary tract symptoms, hemorrhoids, and athlete's foot. The Veteran's LUTS was incurred in service, his hemorrhoids were incurred in service, and his athlete's foot disability is aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of his claim for bilateral shin splints. The Board has determined that he is precluded from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids have been rated at 20 percent since July 13, 2005. The condition is characterized by persistent bleeding with evidence suggestive of secondary anemia.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, low back disorder, and associated upper and lower extremity radiculopathy are service-connected.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and neuropsychological disorder) is service-connected.,The Veteran's sleep disorder, fibromyalgia, multiple joint and muscle pain, hemorrhoids, recurrent headaches, cardiovascular disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, respiratory disorder, and left eye injury are not service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting the grant of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for hemorrhoids and to reopen her claim for service connection of systemic lupus erythematosus. The Veteran's condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating, and new evidence was insufficient to reopen her previously denied lupus claim.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of hemorrhoids and the Veteran's lay statements regarding ongoing symptoms are not credible. As a result, service connection for hemorrhoids cannot be granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and right and left knee chondromalacia, finding that there is no evidence to support his assertions of in-service onset or relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU eligibility were granted, with the effective date being the date of the decision.

The appeal is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further information and compliance with duties to notify and assist. A VA examination will be conducted to assess the Veteran's functional impairment due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected hemorrhoids with rectal prolapse, status post hemorrhoidectomy was denied by the RO. The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical records and readjudicate the issue.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent from October 1, 2006 through June 14, 2016 and at 70 percent from June 15, 2016. The TDIU rating is granted.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU and his service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.