Hemorrhoids decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain a comprehensive VA examination and opinion regarding his claimed gastrointestinal disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and clarifying the nature of his psychiatric disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran was properly found to be rehabilitated for purposes of the vocational rehabilitation program, but there is insufficient evidence to determine whether his service-connected disabilities have worsened to the extent that they preclude him from performing the duties of school paraprofessional or if the occupation is now unsuitable on the basis of his specific employment handicap and capabilities. The case is REMANDED for additional development.

The Board has dismissed all appeals due to the appellant's withdrawal of her claims.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the right knee based on a finding that it is presumptively related to service, resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran. The other issues remain pending and are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating for his hemorrhoids or bilateral onychocryptosis, and that he failed to establish service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to lack of verification of the stressor upon which PTSD diagnosis was based.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for clarification and additional evidence, particularly regarding her gallbladder removal and hemorrhoids.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's liver disorder, hemorrhoids, and diverticulitis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are so severe that they preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with service connection for dermatitis and the timeliness of a notice of disagreement regarding an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again, including obtaining new medical opinions and determining if the timely filing of a notice of disagreement was met.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected impaired sphincter control, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and hemorrhoids. The Board grants service connection for depression as secondary to these conditions.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for large or thrombotic hemorrhoids that are irreducible, characterized by excessive redundant tissue, and recurring frequently.,For the period prior to December 29, 2015, the Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 10 percent. From May 13, 2015 to January 31, 2016, he received a temporary total rating due to convalescence following surgery. After February 1, 2016, his disability is rated as noncompensable for limitation of extension.,The Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 10 percent prior to December 29, 2015. From May 13, 2015 to January 31, 2016, he received a temporary total rating due to convalescence following surgery. After February 1, 2016, his disability is rated as noncompensable for limitation of extension.,The Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 10 percent prior to December 29, 2015. From May 13, 2015 to January 31, 2016, he received a temporary total rating due to convalescence following surgery. After February 1, 2016, his disability is rated as noncompensable for limitation of extension.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hemorrhoids, a left brow scar, and lumbar strain with spondylosis and associated bilateral radiculopathy have been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to separate ratings of at least 10 percent each for his right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury was granted.,A compensable rating (10%) for internal hemorrhoids was assigned, effective September 15, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than June 25, 2010 for the assignment of a 10 percent rating for service-connected external hemorrhoids is denied.,For hearing loss in the right ear prior to April 28, 2016 and a rating in excess of 70 percent for bilateral hearing loss thereafter, the Veteran's claim is denied. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating or a rating in excess of 70 percent during the appeal period.,For lumbar spine disability, the Veteran's claim is denied as his service-connected lumbar spine disability has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent at any time during the appeal period. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased rating due to IVDS with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks during the past 12 months, forward flexion of the lumbar spine limited to 30 degrees, ankylosis, or neurologic abnormalities (other than radiculopathy of the lower extremities).,For right leg sciatica and left leg radiculopathy, the Veteran's claim is denied as his service-connected disabilities have not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent at any time during the appeal period. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased rating due to at least moderately severe incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's claims for residuals of a stroke, right shoulder disorder, and prostate disorder are addressed separately.

The Veteran's hearing loss and hemorrhoids have been rated as noncompensable, with no evidence of functional impairment or secondary conditions.,Tinnitus has not been shown to be related to service, and the tumor of the right side gum and sinus is pending further evaluation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability and hemorrhoids are etiologically related to his active service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased evaluations for his residual scars of the left knee, service connection for a rectal/anal disorder (including hemorrhoids, anal fissure and anal stricture) and pilonidal cyst, and service connection for a right shoulder disorder. The claim to reopen service connection for bilateral hearing loss is also denied.

The Veteran's IBS has been productive of severe impairment throughout the appeal period, warranting a 30% disability rating effective July 28, 2015.