Hemorrhoids decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, nor does he need regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's GI problems, including hemorrhoids, gastritis, GERD, hyperplastic polyps, recurrent epigastric pain with a history of H. pylori infection, and benign tubular adenoma of the colon, were not found to be related to service or radiation exposure.

The Veteran's tinea pedis, sinusitis, and hemorrhoids have been rated as per the criteria set forth in the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The Board has found that a higher rating is warranted for his hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for orthodontic malocclusion was denied due to his failure to cooperate with VA examinations. The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss, hemorrhoids, or residuals of surgically corrected deviated septum (including sleep apnea) that is service-connected.,There was no evidence presented to show these conditions originated during active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rectal bleeding, including hemorrhoids and anal genital warts, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC based on loss of use of his bilateral lower extremities, as he does not have functional impairment such that no effective function remains other than what would be equally well served by amputation with prosthesis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids, as well as his reopenings of claims for acquired psychiatric disabilities, forehead lacerations, and right knee disabilities have been considered. The Board finds new and material evidence has been received to support these reopened claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims are granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a heart disorder, and other conditions. The appeal is based on new evidence.

The Board has granted an effective date of February 21, 2011, but no earlier, for a 20 percent rating for hemorrhoids. The Veteran's anxiety disorder claim is remanded as the VA examination and opinion are needed to address the etiology of his current psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids with rectal prolapse have not manifested severe (or complete) persistent prolapse since October 8, 2014.,From August 4, 2011 to October 8, 2014, the Veteran was granted a separate rating of 60 percent for anal fistula. Since then, there is no evidence of severe (or complete) persistent prolapse or loss of sphincter control.

The Veteran's bilateral foot condition, claimed as flat feet, is related to his active service and service connection for this condition is granted.,The Veteran's degenerative joint disease and heel spur of the right and left foot are also related to his active service and service connection for these conditions is granted.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for scars status post left total knee replacement has been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a low back disability, skin and respiratory disorders, TBI, anemia, GI issues, tinnitus, thyroid disorder, and hemorrhoids have been denied. The Board found the evidence did not support service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current IBS and hemorrhoids are not related to his service, including as due to an appendectomy in service.

The Veteran's left knee injury residuals are currently rated at 20 percent, effective September 5, 2011. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of moderate instability in the left knee, warranting this rating.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, and he did not establish entitlement to service connection or compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and thus his claims are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 20% rating for hemorrhoids was denied. The claim to reopen his right ear hearing loss disability was granted, and service connection for the condition was also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and multiple other conditions, have rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The AOJ has determined that she is entitled to TDIU on an extraschedular basis.