Hemorrhoids Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to July 31, 2006 and service connection were denied. The Board found that there was no factually ascertainable increase in the Veteran’s hemorrhoids within a year of her claim, and that she did not submit a formal or informal claim for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, gastroenteritis with fundic gland polyp, or left knee scars prior to July 31, 2006. The effective dates assigned were the date of receipt of claims.,The Veteran's initial rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus and her initial compensable rating for left knee scars were denied. The Board found that there was no factually ascertainable increase in the Veteran’s bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis within a year of her claim, and that she did not submit a formal or informal claim for gastroenteritis with fundic gland polyp or left knee scars prior to July 6, 2004.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for aid and attendance of another person, which has been granted based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, vertigo, hemorrhoids, poor circulation in the right leg, thyroid disability (hypothyroidism), and PTSD have all been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability or any link to service.,For heart disability, the Veteran was granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and diabetes mellitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating due to his hemorrhoids disability is remanded as additional evidence is needed, including VA treatment records and an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for her service-connected hemorrhoids was denied as the evidence did not show more than mild or moderate impairment.,A 30 percent rating was granted for her service-connected uterine fibroids, which are manifested by severe lower abdominal pain and uterus enlargement due to fibroids.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims can be fully adjudicated. Specifically, VA must obtain medical records from Astoria Health and Rehab Center, Moffit Cancer Center, Dr. P. Hotvedt, Bond Clinic, and Winter Haven Hospital. Additionally, the Appellant should be asked to provide lay statements from individuals who have firsthand knowledge of her husband's conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to February 6, 2009 and also denied an extraschedular TDIU. The evidence did not establish that the Veteran was unable to find and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and residuals of hemorrhoidectomy have been granted service connection. The remaining issues on appeal (erectile dysfunction, skin disorder, peripheral neuropathy) are being remanded for further review.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The Board has remanded the remaining issues due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's rectal disability, including hemorrhoids, hematochezia and anal fissures, was diagnosed in service and has recurred since service. Service connection is granted for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and hypertension, as well as an increased rating for major depressive disorder, were granted. The claim for service connection for hemorrhoids was denied due to lack of current diagnosis. A 10 percent initial rating was granted for hypertension. Major depressive disorder remains at a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for somatization disorder is granted, with a current rating of 70 percent. The issue of service connection for psychiatric disorders other than somatization disorder has been reopened and remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and a compensable rating for hemorrhoids. The Veteran was not granted service connection for her claimed psychiatric condition, as there is no evidence that she has a distinct diagnosis of major depressive disorder separate from her already service-connected PTSD. For her hemorrhoids, the Board found that the symptoms were mild or moderate and did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the March 2017 decision denying service connection for a heart disorder, a compensable rating for hemorrhoids, and determining there was no CUE in a May 1993 rating decision is vacated due to procedural errors. The appeal of whether CUE occurred in the May 1993 rating decision is deemed abandoned by the Court. The March 2017 Board decision is hereby vacated as to the CUE issue due to the due process violation. The claims for service connection for a heart disorder, an initial compensable rating for cervical spine disability prior to September 6, 2006, and a compensable rating for hemorrhoids are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hemorrhoids are related to his service-connected gastrointestinal disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations, as well as new opinions regarding the etiology of her bruxism, GERD, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board has found that more development is necessary prior to final adjudication of the claims on appeal, including for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, kidney disability, and hemorrhoids.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for hemorrhoids and lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hemorrhoids were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show a current disability of either condition, nor could it be linked to service.