Hemorrhoids decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations and service connection have been granted. The conditions are related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims file was lost and is currently being reconstructed. The case is REMANDED to comply with the January 2010 Board Remand directives.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for hemorrhoids.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal on all issues, including the ones related to hyperuricemia, bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus, chest palpitations, status post nasal fracture, sinusitis, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, and internal hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for hemorrhoids with a history of anal fissures is denied as there are no manifestations of persistent bleeding or secondary anemia during the period prior to August 18, 2014.

The Board has referred the issues of entitlement to an increased rating for hemorrhoids with pruritus ani and entitlement to TDIU back to the AOJ/RO for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion on the severity of the Veteran's hemorrhoids. The issues are currently remanded due to the need for clarification regarding what qualifies as a large hemorrhoid.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including an opinion on the functional impact of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right knee disorder have been granted service connection. The left knee disorder and hemorrhoids were denied as not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids have not resulted in persistent bleeding or fissures, which are required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7336. As such, the claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including diverticulitis, anal fissure, and hemorrhoids, is aggravated by the medications used to treat his service-connected cervical spondylosis and degenerative disc disease. Therefore, the Board finds that service connection for these conditions is warranted on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the Board finds that his service-connected hemorrhoids have not been manifested by anemia or fissures, and thus do not warrant a higher initial rating.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for hemorrhoids and polyps. The preponderance of the evidence does not establish an in-service onset or a direct relationship between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hemorrhoids, ingrown toenails, bone spurs of the heels, right knee disability, varicose veins, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) have all been denied. The Board found no current diagnosis for hemorrhoids and noted that pes planus was noted on entry into service but not aggravated by service. Service connection has been granted for PTSD.

The Veteran's death was presumed to be due to his service-connected schizophrenia, thus qualifying him for burial benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the left knee is granted, and he is awarded a compensable rating for his hemorrhoids with anal fissures.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including updated VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities and obtain treatment records.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to review it.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus. Service connection was denied for hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of rectal fissure and awarded a 20% disability rating for hemorrhoids, effective February 4, 2011.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including rectal disability, fatigue disorder, bleeding gums, hypertension, bilateral shoulder disorder, colonic polyps, ulcer, Lyme disease, diabetes mellitus, and a heart condition. The appeals are based on undiagnosed illness due to service in the Persian Gulf.