Hemorrhoids decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of cholecystectomy, to include GERD, was denied. The Veteran is currently rated at a noncompensable rating for his service-connected GERD.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids was denied. The Veteran is currently rated at a noncompensable rating for his service-connected hemorrhoids.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for adjustment disorder with anxiety prior to July 25, 2019 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids is remanded due to a duty to assist error. A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed hemorrhoid condition.

The Board has granted service connection for hemorrhoids, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, ischemic heart disease, hemorrhoids, asbestosis, and ANCA vasculitis (as secondary to service-connected asbestosis) on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicides during active service. Service connection is also granted for hemorrhoids based on direct service incurrence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as a result of exposure to noise during service. The rating for hemorrhoids is increased to 10 percent, effective from February 18, 2019. The acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, anxiety) is rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for glaucoma, ulcers, and hemorrhoids have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions during the appeal period.,The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, a bilateral lower leg disability (including swelling), and a neck, shoulder, or upper back disability are remanded due to insufficient medical records.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable disability rating for colon polyps was denied, and his request for SMC at the housebound rate prior to January 18, 2012 and from May 1, 2012 through February 7, 2017 was also denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The effective dates of certain decisions were also denied.

The Veteran's service connection for septal telangiectasis is granted. Service connection for a dental condition for compensation purposes is denied. Increased ratings are granted for prostatitis, GERD with diverticulitis, hemorrhoids with hematochezia, and scars status post-staphylococcus infection prior to July 27, 2016. The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, a right leg disability (claimed as right leg being longer than the left leg), occipital neuralgia, vision loss secondary to TBI residuals, and a dental condition for treatment purposes are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for Parkinson's disease and hemorrhoids due to issues with obtaining relevant records, including Department of Transportation medical records. The Veteran is also required to undergo a VA examination to confirm or dismiss any findings of Parkinson's disease and to assess the severity of his service-connected hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's rating for hemorrhoids, status post hemorrhoidectomy is increased to 20 percent. The Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance and being housebound are denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for anal fissures and pruritus ani with residual scar is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following any substantially gainful occupation during the period on appeal, thus his TDIU claim based on an extraschedular basis is denied.

The Veteran's application for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and/or adaptive equipment was denied because his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility under VA regulations.

The Board denied reopening the claim for a neck disorder and denied TDIU, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and his frostbite conditions are found to be related to service. The claim for depression is also reopened, but the evidence does not support a finding of service connection. Claims for peripheral neuropathy and hypertension remain denied.

The Board denied service connection for hemorrhoids, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the condition and active service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations. The issues of service connection for various disabilities, including a left ankle disability, eye disability, thyroid disability, low back disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability (reopened), right knee disability, left knee disability, headaches, and hemorrhoids, are being addressed.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted due to his service-connected postoperative hemorrhoids with fissures and PTSD, as he cannot secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hemorrhoid disability is related to his active duty service and granted service connection for this condition.