Hemorrhoids decisions — 2018

The Board found no evidence of hemorrhoids during service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus was denied. The Board found that the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already assigned, and no higher rating can be granted under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The Board denied a higher disability evaluation for service-connected hemorrhoids and remanded the issue of service connection for a left leg disability, specifically shin splints. The decision is not clear on whether the Veteran has an additional left leg condition that is secondary to his service-connected right hip, knee, and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of ischemic heart disease is granted. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hemorrhoids with pruritus ani is denied. The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for vagal syncope/ fainting and his TDIU claim are remanded.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected conditions, including his adjustment disorder and various musculoskeletal issues, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His combined rating is at the maximum level.

The claim for service connection of ischemic heart disease is dismissed. The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids was denied, and the issue of service connection for hypertension is remanded due to lack of an etiology opinion.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids and body aches of the entire body are found to have begun during service, while kidney stones with lithotripsy, OSA with insomnia, right leg numbness and tingling, and cardiovascular disorder manifested by heart palpitations are not related to service.,Further examination is needed for the claims regarding body aches of the entire body, OSA with insomnia, right leg numbness and tingling, and cardiovascular disorder.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids and low back conditions are found to be related to service.,The Veteran's left leg radiculopathy is found to be related to his service-connected low back condition.,The Veteran's chronic sinus condition is found to have had its onset during service.,There is no evidence linking the Veteran's current left arm/elbow condition to service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a compensable rating for hemorrhoids. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knees and back, as well as the issue of left leg radiculopathy related to his spine disability, are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's hemorrhoid disability was denied a compensable rating prior to December 12, 2014, and a rating in excess of 20 percent thereafter. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support an earlier effective date or higher ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded several issues for further adjudication due to the need for additional medical records and a determination of service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities have been dismissed as he withdrew them prior to the decision. The Board also granted entitlement to individual unemployability (TDIU) due to multiple service-connected conditions preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's chronic frontal sinusitis is granted a 30 percent disability rating prior to January 12, 2015 and denied any higher. The Veteran is also granted TDIU.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism has been remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of her digestive symptoms. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating for hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids and degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine have been rated as 10 percent for each condition since September 1, 2013.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions, particularly concerning his alleged injuries and surgeries during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids was denied, and the Board found that the criteria for a compensable rating were not met. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder) is remanded due to lack of verification of stressors but also indicates possible secondary etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected inguinal hernia disability has been rated at a noncompensable level since the appeal period began. The current rating is based on ongoing complaints of pain in the groin area.,For his digestive problems with removal of gallbladder and hiatal hernia, the Veteran was granted an initial 30 percent rating effective June 2008. This reflects symptoms including persistent epigastric distress, pyrosis, regurgitation, substernal arm or shoulder pain, and sleep disturbance.