Hemorrhoids decisions — 2019

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for low back disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, tinnitus, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, bilateral heel spurs, bilateral tinea pedis, chronic sinus disorder, OSA, hemorrhoids, and bilateral hearing loss. The appeal is granted to this extent only.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure. The other issues regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and hemorrhoids have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's hypertension, IBS, and hemorrhoids are not service connected as secondary to his PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse.,There is no evidence of these conditions during or immediately following the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine disability, hemorrhoids, and erectile dysfunction. The evidence did not meet the criteria to establish a current disability or link these conditions to active service.,Specifically, there was no documented in-service injury or disease related to these conditions, and post-service medical records showed that they were diagnosed many years after separation from service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, and liver cancer, are sufficient to render him unemployable without regard to his age or any nonservice-connected disorders. The Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he withdrew his claims for increased rating for hemorrhoids and service connection for headaches before the decision could be finalized.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected hemorrhoids was denied as there is no evidence that the condition has worsened to a level warranting a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's sinusitis warrants an initial rating of 30 percent, effective March 10, 1997. The Board found that the Veteran’s disability picture for sinusitis more nearly approximated the criteria for a 30 percent rating due to two to four non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, congestion, nasal discharge, and/or use of OTC medications.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hemorrhoids is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current disability that began during active service and has required consistent over-the-counter (OTC) treatment since then. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability is denied.,Service connection is granted for the residuals of HPV, including residuals of cervical dysplasia and partial hysterectomy. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence supports this finding.,The Veteran’s claim for service connection for hemorrhoids is remanded due to lack of medical examination or opinion regarding her current condition.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability is remanded as there is insufficient information on whether it was caused by the service-connected right ankle disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for partial hysterectomy is remanded as there is insufficient information on whether it was due to HPV or its complications.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% since April 17, 2018. The TDIU claim was denied as the Veteran does not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and to obtain any relevant medical records. Service connection is not granted for sinus condition, back strain/spasm, flat feet, hemorrhoids, or acid reflux.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and degenerative joint diseases in multiple areas of the body, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine, bilateral hearing loss, hemorrhoids, atrophy of the testicles, or left inguinal nerve injury and residual scar.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, but the remaining claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, hemorrhoids, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's blood clot (deep vein thrombosis) is not related to service and is denied.,The Veteran's cellulitis is not related to service and is denied.,The Veteran's Zenker’s diverticulum is not related to service and is denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding all listed issues, including the rating for migraine headaches and other conditions. The Board dismissed these appeals due to the withdrawal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of her service-connected left ankle sprain.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hand disability (arthritis), bilateral knee disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, gall bladder removal residuals, thyroid condition, diabetes mellitus, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The claims are pending on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids need to be re-evaluated due to possible increase in severity. The case is being remanded for a new VA examination.