Hemorrhoids decisions — 2020

The Veteran's headaches are rated at 30 percent prior to January 25, 2014 and 50 percent thereafter. Effective June 10, 2010, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a medical advisory opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's post-sphincterotomy hemorrhoid disability.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety, is rated at 50 percent prior to October 15, 2019. The rating is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.,After October 15, 2019, the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety, warrants a 70 percent rating.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a back disability and hemorrhoids, but has determined that further development is needed to address the remaining issues of service connection for lumbosacral spine disability, left leg disability (including radiculopathy and leg shortening), forehead scar, and psychiatric disability. The decision on these issues will be remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding a compensable rating for tinea pedis, hemorrhoids, and entitlement to service connection for pes planus (flat feet) prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for a compensable initial disability rating for service-connected hemorrhoids and his claim for total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU). The AOJ is required to obtain all relevant medical records, including SSA records, and complete any necessary development before readjudicating these issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been granted. The claim for an esophageal condition, to include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and eosinophilic esophagitis, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, alone, rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The examiner needs to consider lay testimony and other evidence.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's internal hemorrhoids, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension should be remanded for further examination and opinion to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's tinnitus and back condition are granted service connection, while his acid reflux, respiratory condition, knee conditions, shoulder conditions, and hemorrhoids remain denied.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids are currently rated as non-compensable due to their mild to moderate severity and lack of significant symptoms.,Service connection for hypertension is denied because there is no evidence of its onset during service or within one year post-service, and the condition is not shown to be related to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and opinion regarding whether any of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death, specifically focusing on diabetes, heart disorders related to presumed herbicide exposure, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the rating for hemorrhoids was improper and restored a 10 percent rating effective October 11, 2018. The issue of entitlement to an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent since October 25, 2019. Service connection for hemorrhoids has been granted.,An initial rating of 40 percent for lumbar degenerative disc disease with strain was granted effective October 25, 2019.

The Veteran's left testicle epididymitis prior to March 16, 2015 does not warrant a compensable rating due to lack of evidence of long-term drug therapy or hospitalizations.,The Veteran's left ankle disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as there is no limitation of motion.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids have manifested throughout the entirety of the period on appeal and warrants a 20 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right ankle disability, and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for GERD have been granted. The claim for a separate compensable rating specifically for hiatal hernia has not been granted.

The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy and lower extremity paresthesia are not service-connected.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids were resolved, and his gastrointestinal (GI) disorder other than GERD is not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for hemorrhoids and right knee disability, as well as other service connection claims, are remanded due to the need for additional development.,Service connection claims for erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea, hypertension, and eye condition are also remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as the Board found that his combined rating does not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, but he may be eligible for an extraschedular TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities and unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and he is granted a TDIU effective May 31, 2006. SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is denied.