Hemorrhoids decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for service connection and ratings for his knee disabilities were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have hemorrhoids during active duty, and there was no evidence of a compensable rating for his right knee scar. His initial rating for his right knee disability prior to September 2, 2015 was denied as he had adequate range of motion. A separate 10 percent rating was granted from February 24, 2015 to September 1, 2015 for weakness and falls following meniscus surgery. The Veteran's initial rating higher than 30 percent from January 1, 2017 onward for his total right knee replacement was denied.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and TDIU was denied. The initial rating for reversible obstructive airway disease prior to May 25, 2022 is denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DCs 6604-6602. For the period from May 25, 2022, the Veteran's disability remains at 30 percent and no higher rating is warranted. The Board also found that the Veteran was unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied an increased rating for hemorrhoids, finding that the condition did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating during the period from March 9, 2015 to April 27, 2022.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence supports reopening the claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, hemorrhoids, respiratory disorder, left ankle, and left foot disorders. These conditions are now subject to further evaluation.,The appeal as to these six issues is granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(m) is granted, as he has no effective function remaining in his bilateral lower extremities other than what would be equally well served by an amputation with use of a prosthetic appliance.

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

The Board has remanded the claim for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids due to insufficient evidence and need for an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's cause of death is not service-connected as the evidence does not meet the criteria for service connection under specific statutory and regulatory guidelines.

The Veteran's appeals for pneumonia, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and hemorrhoids have been dismissed. The appeal to reopen his psychiatric disorder claim has been granted. The remaining claims are remanded due to new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to January 12, 2015.

The Board has determined that a VA addendum opinion is necessary to properly address whether the Veteran's hemorrhoids preexisted service and were not aggravated by service. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits, finding that entitlement to these benefits was not established prior to April 16, 2011.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hemorrhoids is being remanded due to the need for a thorough examination and opinion regarding the etiology of her hemorrhoid disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for extraschedular consideration due to her service-connected migraines and hemorrhoids, which prevent her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for tinea cruris, hemorrhoids, nose bleeds, foot skin rash, OSA, lumbar spine disability, anxiety disorder, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board denied a compensable initial rating for the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids, finding that the evidence did not support the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7336.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for service-connected hemorrhoids, effective October 13, 2016. The appeal for an increased initial evaluation is continued as the maximum schedular rating of 20 percent has been awarded.

The Board has granted a rating of 60 percent for recurrent internal hemorrhoids, which is the maximum available under the applicable diagnostic code. The Veteran's condition includes extensive leakage and fairly frequent involuntary bowel movements.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of response from Mt. Sinai Medical Center regarding the Veteran's private medical records, and requests for these records should be made again.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, rash, right shoulder condition, chest condition, and hemorrhoids as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link between his in-service treatment and any present conditions.