Hemorrhoids decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for coronary artery disease and hemorrhoids are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations, as well as the need to obtain outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating of hemorrhoids is granted. The claims for service connection for sleep apnea, allergic conjunctivitis, and allergic rhinitis are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not been shown to be of such severity so as to preclude substantially gainful employment, and his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's irritable colon syndrome and internal hemorrhoids have been rated appropriately, but his chronic depression with anxiety has not received the appropriate effective dates.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not warrant a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids with recurrent anal fissures, status post-sphincterotomy, are rated at 20 percent for the entire period on appeal. A separate initial rating of 10 percent is granted for impairment of sphincter control, status post-sphincterotomy.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to assess the severity of his hemorrhoids, right knee condition, and depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral wrist conditions and hemorrhoids due to outstanding private treatment records and a need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's anxiety and depressive disorders not otherwise specified are rated at 70 percent since July 30, 2012. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by shortness of breath and venereal disease (to include genital herpes) is denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, as he reported worsening over time and an occurrence just a few weeks after his last VA examination in April 2014.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids prior to August 11, 2017 is denied. A 20 percent rating is granted beginning from August 11, 2017.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids is granted from February 23, 2009 to November 29, 2017. The Board found the Veteran's reports of persistent bleeding during bowel movements with only temporary relief from medication and surgical procedures are competent and credible.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his service-connected conditions, finding that he did not submit a claim within one year of his separation from service.

The Board has determined that further medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids, right foot disability, and left foot disability due to conflicting examination opinions and lack of post-service medical records.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, contact dermatitis, TBI residuals, gastrointestinal disorder, PTSD, shoulder disorders, hemorrhoids, cervical spine disability, migraine headaches, vision loss, testosterone imbalance, wrist and hand disorders, hip disorders, and insomnia are all remanded. Additionally, his claim for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, a residual head injury scar, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss is also remanded. His TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including hypertension, contact dermatitis, TBI, and gastrointestinal disorders. The Veteran also had his TDIU claim remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits are denied. The Board found that there is no clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-existing conditions, and the medical opinions did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to April 26, 2010 due to insufficient evidence showing he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment solely as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the termination of SMC based on housebound status, effective June 1, 2010, was proper due to the Veteran not meeting the statutory requirements for the payment of special monthly compensation at the housebound rate beginning November 1, 2006.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases, finding that his conditions did not warrant higher ratings based on the evidence of record.