Hemorrhoids decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted with an effective date of August 2, 2014. The claim for a higher rating for hemorrhoids was denied as the increase in rating is not factually ascertainable within one year prior to November 6, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee condition has been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen this claim. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be related to his military service.,The Veteran's nasal condition/allergies are remanded as there is insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected hemorrhoids was granted, and he is now receiving a 20 percent disability rating throughout the period on appeal. The highest available schedular rating for hemorrhoids under DC 7336 is 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as she withdrew her request for review of the decisions regarding service connection for hemorrhoids, shortness of breath, and the assigned initial 30 percent rating for migraine headaches.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and service connection for IBS, umbilical hernia, hemorrhoids, and gallstones is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient efforts by the AOJ in obtaining a colonoscopy report, which is necessary for an accurate assessment of the Veteran's hemorrhoids. The Veteran must provide additional non-VA treatment records and complete releases if needed.

The appeal for reducing the rating of hemorrhoids, granting service connection for chest pain, and granting service connection for a right ankle disability is dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's reoccurring rectal abscess with thrombosed hemorrhoids, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to May 18, 2023 and from May 18, 2023 onwards. The Veteran was assigned a 30% disability rating effective May 18, 2023.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids is denied as there is no current evidence of the condition.,Service connection for tuberculosis is also denied, with no current evidence of the condition during the appeal period.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence on file.

The Veteran's celiac disease and hemorrhoids with residual gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia have been granted service connection.,However, the issue of service connection for a disability characterized by symptoms of fatigue, including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), or as due to a chronic qualifying disability as a result of service in Southwest Asia remains pending.

The Veteran's chest cyst is rated at 10% and a separate rating for drainage from October 11, 2011 until January 15, 2014 is granted. The Veteran's hemorrhoids are currently noncompensable.

The Veteran's current hemorrhoids are considered to have started during his active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied service connection for acid reflux with GERD, hemorrhoids, a left hand condition, and a left hand scar. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, hemorrhoids, and IBS have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU. Regarding SMC due to need for aid and attendance, the case is remanded as there are factual issues regarding whether the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 20, 2003 for the Veteran's entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected conditions. The criteria were met as evidenced by the Veteran's inability to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment from this date onwards.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for prostate disorder, skin disorder (seborrheic keratosis), and hemorrhoids. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hemorrhoids are at least as likely as not aggravated by her service-connected chronic fatigue syndrome and cervical spine disability, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids have not been evaluated since the last VA examination in January 2018. The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his hemorrhoids due to the suggestion of worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids were granted a 10% rating prior to August 28, 2018 and a 20% rating from that date forward. The cervical spine disability was denied service connection.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for GERD and Hemorrhoids, as well as a request for an increased evaluation for PTSD. The Board has determined that the claim for TDIU is properly before it due to its being raised during the pendency of other claims. The claims for GERD and Hemorrhoids are remanded for further development.