Hemorrhoids Board decisions

The Board has remanded several issues for further adjudication due to the need for additional medical records and a determination of service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities have been dismissed as he withdrew them prior to the decision. The Board also granted entitlement to individual unemployability (TDIU) due to multiple service-connected conditions preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's chronic frontal sinusitis is granted a 30 percent disability rating prior to January 12, 2015 and denied any higher. The Veteran is also granted TDIU.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism has been remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of her digestive symptoms. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating for hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids and degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine have been rated as 10 percent for each condition since September 1, 2013.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions, particularly concerning his alleged injuries and surgeries during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids was denied, and the Board found that the criteria for a compensable rating were not met. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder) is remanded due to lack of verification of stressors but also indicates possible secondary etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected inguinal hernia disability has been rated at a noncompensable level since the appeal period began. The current rating is based on ongoing complaints of pain in the groin area.,For his digestive problems with removal of gallbladder and hiatal hernia, the Veteran was granted an initial 30 percent rating effective June 2008. This reflects symptoms including persistent epigastric distress, pyrosis, regurgitation, substernal arm or shoulder pain, and sleep disturbance.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for coronary artery disease and hemorrhoids are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations, as well as the need to obtain outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating of hemorrhoids is granted. The claims for service connection for sleep apnea, allergic conjunctivitis, and allergic rhinitis are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not been shown to be of such severity so as to preclude substantially gainful employment, and his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's irritable colon syndrome and internal hemorrhoids have been rated appropriately, but his chronic depression with anxiety has not received the appropriate effective dates.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not warrant a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids with recurrent anal fissures, status post-sphincterotomy, are rated at 20 percent for the entire period on appeal. A separate initial rating of 10 percent is granted for impairment of sphincter control, status post-sphincterotomy.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to assess the severity of his hemorrhoids, right knee condition, and depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral wrist conditions and hemorrhoids due to outstanding private treatment records and a need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's anxiety and depressive disorders not otherwise specified are rated at 70 percent since July 30, 2012. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by shortness of breath and venereal disease (to include genital herpes) is denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, as he reported worsening over time and an occurrence just a few weeks after his last VA examination in April 2014.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids prior to August 11, 2017 is denied. A 20 percent rating is granted beginning from August 11, 2017.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids is granted from February 23, 2009 to November 29, 2017. The Board found the Veteran's reports of persistent bleeding during bowel movements with only temporary relief from medication and surgical procedures are competent and credible.