Hemorrhoids decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to February 3, 2021.,As of February 3, 2021, the issue of entitlement to a TDIU is moot due to his 100% schedular rating.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for hemorrhoids and residuals of right great toenail excision are remanded due to the need for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a hearing loss disability, moderate hemorrhoids, a compensable foreskin laceration scar, or left great toe onychomycosis. The Veteran was granted an initial 10 percent rating for folliculitis (now characterized as acne), but the claim for service connection and increased ratings for benign prostate hypertrophy were denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU prior to March 13, 2009. The Board found that his education and work experience were sufficient to allow him to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) as his employment with the United States Postal Service was considered to be in a protected environment and he earned more than marginal income.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for an adjustment disorder was denied. Service connection claims for episodic seizures and right gluteal tendonitis were also denied.,Service connection claims for hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are pending and require further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection due to concurrent receipt of VA disability compensation and active service drill pay, finding that the evidence did not support his assertion that he did not receive drill pay during fiscal years 2014 and 2015.

The Veteran's tension headaches have been granted a 50% disability rating, effective from the date of the decision.,For sinusitis prior to April 5, 2021, the Veteran is denied any increase in his current 10% disability rating. From that date forward, he has been granted a 30% disability rating.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate have been granted due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, headaches from TBI, low back strain, bilateral hearing loss with nonsuppurative otitis media, diabetes mellitus with nephropathy and erectile dysfunction, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, hemorrhoids, residuals of TBI, and other conditions.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to decide the claims for service connection for PTSD, costochondritis, back condition, hearing loss, abdominal pain, hemorrhoids, traumatic brain injury (TBI), left ankle condition, and right knee strain. The Veteran's VA generated evidence will be reviewed in a Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids has been denied due to lack of evidence showing more than mild or moderate symptoms.,Service connection for right shoulder disability and bilateral foot disability have both been denied as there is no credible evidence linking the disabilities to service.,Erectile dysfunction on a secondary basis to PTSD was also denied, with no medical link found between the two conditions.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim has not met the criteria for secondary service connection.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's internal hemorrhoids, including whether it is related to service or caused by another condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left femur condition, left hip condition secondary to a left femur condition, right hip condition secondary to a left femur condition, and hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection claims were dismissed. The rating for left hip replacement with osteoarthritis was dismissed, while the other issues remained pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no current disabilities or evidence of in-service injuries, events, or diseases that would support the claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence not being considered in previous VA examinations, and a new examination is required.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for hemorrhoids was denied.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted, with the May 2011 Board decision being reopened and service connection established.

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 Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, and hemorrhoids as aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.,Obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, and hemorrhoids were found to be substantially caused or aggravated by the Veteran's obesity, which was itself a substantial factor in being caused or aggravated by his service-connected conditions of major depressive disorder, cervicodorsal myositis, hypertension, and dermatitis.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hypertension, reopening of service connection for early menopause, compensable ratings for hemorrhoids and allergic rhinitis due to missing or incomplete treatment records.