Hemorrhoids decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, thus the claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for left and right eye disabilities, GERD, hemorrhoids, erectile dysfunction, prostate disability, neurological impairment (including peripheral neuropathy and polyneuropathy), and hypertension due to incomplete development of records from McDonald Army Hospital. The VA examinations provided insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at St. Lucie Medical Center on March 31, 2014 are denied as the treatment was not for an emergency condition and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's bilateral foot disability and remanded issues related to hemorrhoids, right ankle tarsal tunnel syndrome, and hypertension. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to February 13, 2020, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's cause of death was not attributable to his service-connected disabilities, and he did not meet the criteria for additional DIC benefits or accrued benefits. The appellant's claim for aid and attendance or housebound benefits is also denied.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including glaucoma, cholecystectomy residuals, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, erectile dysfunction, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right hand dermatitis, anemia, inguinal hernia repair, and hemorrhoids. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy, increased ratings for lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities, and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder and entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is required to provide updated information regarding his educational and employment history.

The Veteran's right little finger disability, including its impact on the index and long fingers, is rated at 10 percent from November 21, 2018. A separate 10 percent rating for painful motion resulting in functional loss of the right index finger and a 10 percent rating for painful motion resulting in function loss of the right long finger are granted as due to his right little finger disability.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to assess the Veteran's functional impairment from his service-connected disabilities and determine if he is unemployable due to these conditions. The examiner must consider all of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, except for left knee degenerative arthritis, during the period from May 15, 2018 to July 1, 2019.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to unclear severity of the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids and a need for additional evidence.

The Board dismissed all claims for service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claims for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and headaches is granted. The claim for GERD remains pending as it was remanded.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for an increased rating of hemorrhoids, and the Board is dismissing this issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and the effective dates are set to the date of receipt of the claim. The rating for gastroesophageal ulcer disease has also been increased.

The Board has denied service connection for hemorrhoids and remanded the claims for increased ratings of low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board dismissed all appeals seeking service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, allergic rhinitis, anemia with vitamin D deficiency, and other medical issues. The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for hemorrhoids, but the issues of service connection for bilateral eye disability and diabetes mellitus are remanded due to incomplete records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The VA must obtain all outstanding VA treatment records, including those scanned into the imaging system.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for gastrointestinal, kidney, liver, bladder/gallbladder, prostate, and hemorrhoids disabilities due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The VA is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions addressing the nature and etiology of these conditions.