Hemorrhoids decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis and hemorrhoids were denied. The claim for hemorrhoids was reopened, but not granted. The Veteran's eye conditions (refractive error, blepharitis, dry eye, and cataracts) are not service-connected as they did not begin during service or are not related to the in-service injury of a fractured left zygomatic arch. His rating for residuals of a fractured left zygomatic arch prior to September 10, 2017 is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids as secondary to his service-connected duodenal ulcer disease due to a lack of evidence linking the hemorrhoids to the duodenal ulcer.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, and hemorrhoids. The appeals for headaches, cell-mediated immunity, chronic fatigue syndrome, bilateral elbow disability, keratosis pilaris on back of arms (also claimed as skin condition), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastrointestinal disability other than GERD, bilateral knee disability, and Gulf War Illness/Syndrome have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and hemorrhoids, finding no current disabilities and insufficient evidence to establish a link between any in-service injuries or conditions.

The Veteran's diverticulitis is granted a 30% rating, while his hemorrhoids are denied any compensation.

The Board dismissed the case for service connection of hypothyroidism as it had been granted in a previous decision. The irritable bowel syndrome was granted an initial rating of 30 percent, effective June 12, 2015. Hemorrhoids were rated at 20 percent prior to June 12, 2015 and the impairment of sphincter control associated with hemorrhoids received a separate 10 percent rating as of that date.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for hemorrhoids from September 17, 2018 to July 10, 2019 was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7336.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for bilateral pes planus and for service connection for hemorrhoids has been dismissed.,Service connection was granted for GERD, but the appeals for fibromyalgia, a bilateral eye condition (to include as secondary to or as residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI)), and a creative organ disorder have been remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for hemorrhoids and headaches, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his military service.,The decision also notes that there is no evidence of a nexus between the current conditions and any in-service events or exposures.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including rating scars, service connection for hemorrhoids and throat disability, earlier effective dates for costochondritis, migraine headaches, and asthma, and evaluation of costochondritis.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of IBS has been granted. The Board also remanded several other issues, including the increased rating for lumbar strain and the effective date for right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for colon polyps, claimed as diverticulitis; hemorrhoids and asthma. The Veteran's claims are denied.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids was denied as the evidence did not show severe symptoms of hemorrhoids that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back disability and remanded the cases of hernia, bowel disability, diverticulosis, internal hemorrhoids, esophageal disability, GERD, and erectile dysfunction. The claims are now pending again with new examinations required.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for back disorder, headache disorder, and hemorrhoids due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's statements of in-service injuries and continuous symptoms are considered.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities due to his failure to report for VA examinations and his testimony that he was homeless during the time examination notices were sent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hemorrhoids is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted effective March 17, 2015. The appeals for increased ratings on the remaining issues are dismissed as the Veteran has accepted the TDIU award.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD, anxiety, and psychosomatic symptoms), and hemorrhoids due to unresolved issues regarding the etiology of these conditions.