Hemorrhoids decisions — 2019

The Veteran's TMJ syndrome and hemorrhoids are being remanded for further evaluation as her symptoms have worsened since the last examinations.

The claim of service connection for the cause of death is dismissed, and the claim of DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied.

The Veteran's lung granuloma is not shown to be related to her active service.,Right lower extremity varicose veins are not shown to be related to her active service.,Hemorrhoids were not found during the period on appeal and are not considered a current disability for VA purposes.,Breast cysts have been diagnosed as benign findings without any associated symptoms or disabilities.

The Veteran's hemorrhoid disability is granted as service-connected. The Board dismissed the appeals for earlier effective dates and remanded several issues related to his spine, knees, hearing loss, sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, hypertension, varicocele, and epididymitis.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and initial rating of hemorrhoids, a scar on the right knee, residuals of a right hand injury, residuals of a right middle finger injury, and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, a low back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and hemorrhoids were denied effective January 29, 2016.,Eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 was also denied effective January 29, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for right ankle strain, left calf strain, hemorrhoids, anal fistula, and positive tuberculin tine test. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left wrist fracture is remanded.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids is denied because there is no current diagnosis of the condition.

The claim for service connection for hemorrhoids, gastritis/ulcer and kidney stones is granted. The rating for GERD remains at 10 percent.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for hemorrhoids, finding that the reduction from 10 to 0 percent was improper and restored the original 10 percent rating. The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and the claim for an increased rating is denied.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids are rated as noncompensable, and the claim for an increased rating is denied.,The Veteran's calluses on both feet are rated as noncompensable, and the claim for a higher initial rating is denied.,The effective date for service connection of the Veteran's calluses on both feet cannot be earlier than November 18, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to July 31, 2006 and service connection were denied. The Board found that there was no factually ascertainable increase in the Veteran’s hemorrhoids within a year of her claim, and that she did not submit a formal or informal claim for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, gastroenteritis with fundic gland polyp, or left knee scars prior to July 31, 2006. The effective dates assigned were the date of receipt of claims.,The Veteran's initial rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus and her initial compensable rating for left knee scars were denied. The Board found that there was no factually ascertainable increase in the Veteran’s bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis within a year of her claim, and that she did not submit a formal or informal claim for gastroenteritis with fundic gland polyp or left knee scars prior to July 6, 2004.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for aid and attendance of another person, which has been granted based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, vertigo, hemorrhoids, poor circulation in the right leg, thyroid disability (hypothyroidism), and PTSD have all been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability or any link to service.,For heart disability, the Veteran was granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and diabetes mellitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating due to his hemorrhoids disability is remanded as additional evidence is needed, including VA treatment records and an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for her service-connected hemorrhoids was denied as the evidence did not show more than mild or moderate impairment.,A 30 percent rating was granted for her service-connected uterine fibroids, which are manifested by severe lower abdominal pain and uterus enlargement due to fibroids.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims can be fully adjudicated. Specifically, VA must obtain medical records from Astoria Health and Rehab Center, Moffit Cancer Center, Dr. P. Hotvedt, Bond Clinic, and Winter Haven Hospital. Additionally, the Appellant should be asked to provide lay statements from individuals who have firsthand knowledge of her husband's conditions.