Hemorrhoids decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another and statutory housebound status are granted. The Veteran meets the criteria for SMP due to a single service-connected disability (nonservice-connected depression) rated at 100% and additional conditions rated at 60%. He does not require regular aid and attendance or is substantially confined to his dwelling.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain medical records from Dr. Monahan and a legible copy of the December 2018 correspondence from Dr. Drummond, before these claims can be adjudicated.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and TDIU, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an equipment purchase of an adjustable king or queen size bed and ergonomic chair through the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) program, finding that such purchases were not necessary to achieve his independent living goal.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions had their onset during or are etiologically related to military service.,Service connection was also granted for hemorrhoids with fistulas and surgery. However, a compensable rating was denied due to lack of functional impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no current diagnosed gastrointestinal disability manifested by chronic diarrhea, and the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 30 percent for duodenal ulcer with GERD and hoarseness.

The Veteran's skin abscesses are granted as service connected, with the condition having had its onset during active duty.,The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected based on a diagnosis within one year of separation from service. The claim for an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 28, 2013 for the grant of service connection for hemorrhoids is denied. The application to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is granted and remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and right elbow/shoulder conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to February 9, 2009.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted as secondary to his cervical spine disability. The Veteran's right hip, knee, and ankle disabilities are all granted with specific ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of November 27, 2009. The Board granted a TDIU from that date.

The Board denied service connection for colon cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, and hemorrhoids, all of which are not presumed to be caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's claims were based on his belief that these conditions were related to his time at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of recent VA treatment records and the need for a new examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his level of education, prior work history and training.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against a higher rating for tinnitus, left upper extremity radicular neuropathy, vascular headaches, epididymitis and testicle cyst condition, external hemorrhoids, and left arm scars. Service connection was granted for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of hemorrhoids, a fractured right hand, dizziness and falling, and obstructive sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD) has been granted. The rating assigned is 20% for the lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's hypertension was denied as there is no evidence of its onset during service or within one year of discharge.,Service connection for bilateral pes planus was denied due to the absence of any pre-existing condition noted at entry into service and a lack of aggravation by military service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for a mole on his right leg, memory loss, and various musculoskeletal conditions. The cases are being returned due to inadequate opinions from previous VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of recent VA examination and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities may require aid and attendance, but further evaluation is needed.