Hemorrhoids decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for chronic respiratory infections, hemorrhoids (claimed as anal fissure), a left arm condition, and sleep apnea have been denied. A 30 percent rating has been granted for the gastrointestinal disorder (hiatal hernia/GERD) effective March 8, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are rated as noncompensable, and the claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected PFB is currently rated at 10 percent, and the claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids are granted a 20 percent rating effective November 25, 2013. The issue of service connection for sphincter impairment is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no evidence of its onset during service or within one year after separation. The claim for hemorrhoids was denied due to lack of evidence showing its onset in service and the preponderance of evidence against aggravation by service.,Service connection for anemia was not granted because the evidence did not show its onset in service or a relationship with a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for hemorrhoids, left foot disorder, and COPD due to conflicting evidence in the record. The Veteran is asked to provide updated treatment records and undergo examinations by appropriate clinicians.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling updated VA examinations. The Veteran's service-connected conditions will be evaluated to determine appropriate disability ratings.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed.,A new and material evidence claim for diabetes mellitus, type II, has also been denied.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for TBI, reopening of a claim for hemorrhoids, and increased ratings for cervical spine conditions. The issue of TDIU is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to perform the basic functions of self-care and are as helpless due to his service-connected conditions, necessitating regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hepatitis C, hemorrhoids, hearing loss, flat feet, asthma, sleep apnea, and acid reflux due to outstanding VA treatment records being needed.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's hemorrhoids, finding that they are secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and initial ratings have been denied. The Board found that the criteria for an earlier effective date were not met, as the effective date assigned was the day following discharge from service. For other issues, no higher rating could be assigned based on current evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for hemorrhoids and remanded the issues of service connection for chronic urinary tract infections and chronic yeast infections due to lack of medical evidence demonstrating continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and hemorrhoids due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hemorrhoids, and right and left foot disabilities are remanded for further development.,His claim for increased rating of acne vulgaris remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for hemorrhoids due to incomplete medical records, and requests that VA make reasonable attempts to obtain these records. The decision is pending further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence not previously considered by the RO.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions or examinations regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions. The issues of service connection for hemorrhoids, right shoulder disorder, ear disorder (including otitis media with effusion and cerumen impaction), left leg disability, low back disorder, and Lyme disease are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability (other than GERD, hiatal hernia, and diverticulosis) was dismissed due to the Veteran’s authorized attorney requesting withdrawal of the appeal. The appeals for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for GERD with hiatal hernia and diverticulosis and TDIU are remanded.