Hemorrhoids decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations to determine if the Veteran currently has a dental disability, residuals of a fractured skull (excluding migraine headaches), and hemorrhoids. The claims are related to service connection.

The Board has dismissed all claims related to the Veteran's service connection requests, as well as his request for a compensable evaluation for tinea versicolor. The appeals are dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has dismissed all claims as the Veteran withdrew his appeals prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his hemorrhoid disability was denied. For the period from May 27, 2015 to October 19, 2020, he was granted TDIU based on multiple service-connected disabilities. However, as of October 19, 2020, his claim for a TDIU became moot due to his already receiving maximum benefits.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his claim for sleep apnea and increased ratings for various conditions. The Veteran will need to undergo additional examinations to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal, including the reopening of multiple service connection claims. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal.

Service connection for hemorrhoids was denied. Prior to August 14, 2020, the Veteran's TBI did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.,From August 14, 2020, the Veteran's TBI disability is not rated higher than 40 percent.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including those related to service connection for various conditions. The case is therefore being remanded.

The Veteran's vertigo is granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids prior to April 20, 2019 has been granted. A 10 percent rating is assigned from April 20, 2019 onwards.,An effective date of January 28, 2014, is granted for the 40 percent disability rating for fibromyalgia. The Veteran's right knee disability and sinusitis are denied initial ratings in excess of their current ratings.

The Veteran's back condition is granted a 40 percent disability rating, effective July 8, 2019. Other claims are either denied or remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to new evidence being associated with his case and requests for a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for a rating of 50 percent for headaches has been granted. Other claims have been reopened and are pending further review.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development, including providing the Veteran with another opportunity to complete VA forms and respond to a subsequent development letter.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, MDD, ischemic heart disease, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, recurrent constipation, and recurrent hemorrhoids, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU have been met.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right leg shortening has been denied as there is no evidence of more than two inches of shortening.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for hemorrhoids with anal fissure prior to January 8, 2019, and in excess of 60 percent thereafter, has also been denied due to lack of evidence showing extensive leakage or fairly frequent involuntary bowel movements.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to October 11, 2021. The Board found the most persuasive evidence against a finding that his disabilities prevented him from performing all types of work.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to December 1, 2015. The Board found that the evidence was not in 'approximate balance' or 'nearly equal' with the evidence supporting his claim.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's disabilities, including cervical strain, knee limitations of extension, lumbar spine disability, left shoulder bursitis, and external hemorrhoids. The AOJ is instructed to issue a supplemental statement of the case after considering additional evidence.

Right ear hearing loss has been granted service connection.,A compensable rating for hemorrhoids is denied.,A 10 percent rating for hepatitis C from July 1, 2000 to May 3, 2022 is granted.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for hepatitis C after May 3, 2022 remains pending.