Hemorrhoids decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of both lower extremities, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board grants SMC based on this need.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for HIV as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced in favor of the claim. The issue of a higher initial rating for hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for stomach ulcers and hemorrhoids are being remanded due to the need for VA examinations.

The Veteran withdrew all his appeals before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be incurred in service, and the Board finds that there is at least a 50% probability it is related to his military service. The other claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's cervical spine condition is caused or aggravated by his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and requests for additional private medical records. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Board found the Veteran's substantive appeal was untimely and thus denied his claim for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. Diabetes mellitus, allergic rhinitis, transient ischemic attacks (TIA), hemorrhoids, a skin disorder, bladder cancer, and herpes are all found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is not related to service, and his left eye disability does not meet the criteria for a higher initial evaluation.,His hemorrhoids are currently rated based on their current manifestations.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective the date of his claim. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hemorrhoids are not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids was granted prior to January 11, 2017. Since then, the issue of a higher rating has been denied.,For his spondylosis of the thoracolumbar spine, the Veteran's claim remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hemorrhoids was denied, but his service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) was granted. The effective date of the PTSD grant is April 20, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation.

The Board denied service connection for a hemorrhoid disorder and did not grant an increased rating for duodenal ulcer with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection. The VA examiner opined that the current back disorder is unrelated to active service, based on a lack of objective findings during service and no diagnosis within one year of separation.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his back and cervical spine conditions, require regular aid and attendance of another person. As a result, the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance are met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Board videoconference hearing. The claims for increased ratings and service connection remain pending.