Hemorrhoids decisions — 2020

A 20 percent rating for left ankle arthralgia, sprain prior to October 28, 2015 is granted.,A 20 percent rating for left ankle arthralgia, sprain from October 28, 2015 to October 19, 2020 is granted.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for coronary artery disease and hemorrhoids have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of OSA is remanded due to the need for a sleep study and further etiological opinions regarding its onset, aggravation by PTSD, and Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities because his employment status did not meet the criteria for TDIU, as he was found to be employed and capable of substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to September 22, 2010 did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability and hemorrhoids, finding that there is not enough evidence to support a relationship between these conditions and active service. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for throat cancer, thyroid disorder, loss of taste, and hemorrhoids due to inextricably intertwined issues with service connection for throat cancer. The claims are being remanded for further development including obtaining additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his bilateral knee service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his cervical spine service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his bilateral shoulder service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his hiatal hernia/acid reflux service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his GERD service, and thus denied these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining his service personnel records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of fibromyalgia. The earlier effective date claim remains denied.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for hemorrhoids and remanded the issues regarding migraine headaches and temporary total disability rating for service-connected hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The appeal of the claim for a stomach condition is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hemorrhoids, hepatitis C, sleep apnea, asthma, flat feet, and acid reflux due to new evidence received since previous decisions.,Hearing loss is denied as there is no current disability.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are granted an initial compensable rating of 20 percent, effective December 7, 2015. The Board finds that the symptoms more nearly approximate external or internal hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and fissures.

The Veteran's pruritus ani is characterized by extensive leakage and frequent involuntary bowel movements, but he does not have complete loss of sphincter control. The Board has granted an initial rating of 60 percent for this condition.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's initial disability rating for hemorrhoids remains at 10 percent, but his TDIU claim is also being reconsidered.

The Board has denied a compensable initial rating for service-connected hemorrhoids, finding that the Veteran's condition is no more than mild or moderate in degree and does not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an earlier effective date or a higher rating based on the criteria provided.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, a heart disability, hemorrhoids, and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The appeal has been withdrawn due to the Veteran's request. The remaining issues of increased ratings for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and right ankle disabilities; service connection for lower extremity pain and numbness, left ankle disorder, headaches, sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis, and fibromyalgia are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including nicotine dependence, asbestos exposure, and psychiatric disorders. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated during her military service.