Hemorrhoids decisions — 2018

The Veteran's hemorrhoids are characterized by persistent bleeding, which meets the criteria for a 20% evaluation. The Board granted this rating based on the totality of his symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability was reopened. The VA granted a separate 10 percent rating for painful extension of the left knee from November 7, 2017, and granted an initial rating of 10 percent for blepharitis and dry eye syndrome. Other claims were either denied or remanded.

The Veteran is unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities, which include degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome, tinnitus, right hip disability, left hip disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, left sciatic radiculopathy, reactive airway disease, a right knee baker's cyst, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, left inguinal herniorrhaphy, and chronic maxillary sinusitis. The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for eligibility to individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right lateral/medial epicondylitis and hyperlipidemia was denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of these conditions.,Service connection for PTSD, thoracolumbar spine IVDS and degenerative arthritis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, left ankle sprain, cervical spine strain, right shoulder sprain, right shin splints, left shin splints, hemorrhoids, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome was denied. The Veteran's PTSD disability rating prior to September 27, 2012 was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for service-connected hemorrhoids prior to October 17, 2016, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a higher rating during any period on appeal.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the cause of death (chronic aspiration pneumonia, altered mental state, new onset seizure disorder) is not related to VA care or treatment. The Board denied both claims for service connection for the cause of death and DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances related to his service-connected conditions were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support the need for additional clothing allowances due to damage caused by his braces and topical medications.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his acquired psychiatric condition, hearing loss disability, tinnitus, thoracic/lumbar spine disability, shoulder and knee disabilities, pes planus, eye disabilities, migraine headaches, acid reflux, pseudofolliculitis (PFB), hemorrhoids, pulmonary conditions, including COPD, and Meniere’s disease. The Board has remanded these issues for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hemorrhoids, stress incontinence, and sleep apnea. The evidence did not establish that these conditions began during service or were related to military service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of all extremities, an eye disorder, hemorrhoids, and a prostate disorder as secondary to herbicide exposure. The claims were remanded for further examination regarding cervical spine and lumbar spine disorders.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and hemorrhoids are remanded due to the addition of new evidence. The effective date issue is not addressed as it pertains to a different claim.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for depression, hemorrhoids, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are being reviewed.

The Board has granted service connection for colon cancer and the cause of death, as well as a TDIU. The Veteran's hypertension and hemorrhoids were found not to warrant increased ratings, while folliculitis was also denied.

The Board has decided to remand four issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for a left achilles tendon/left ankle condition, right shoulder condition, hemorrhoids, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The decision also notes that verification of all periods of Active Duty Training (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty Training (INACDUTRA) is needed.

The Veteran's seizure disability and major depressive disorder are granted. The Veteran is awarded a 70% rating for his major depressive disorder prior to July 15, 2015. He also receives TDIU benefits prior to that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, emphysema, radiculopathy of the left and right upper extremities, internal hemorrhoids, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and major depressive disorder. The Veteran was granted a 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder from February 20, 2015.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for chronic venous insufficiency and respiratory insufficiency, chronic. The remaining issues of service connection for hemorrhoids, fungus, stasis ulcer, right leg, morbid obesity, arterial hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for hemorrhoids and post-operative left inguinal hernia with scar was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for either condition during any period on appeal.

The Veteran's stricture of the urethra is rated at a 40 percent evaluation since February 17, 2009. The rating remains unchanged.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids have worsened since the last VA examination in October 2014, and a new examination is needed to determine his current disability level.