Hemorrhoids Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for hemorrhoids, a left brow scar, and lumbar strain with spondylosis and associated bilateral radiculopathy have been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to separate ratings of at least 10 percent each for his right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury was granted.,A compensable rating (10%) for internal hemorrhoids was assigned, effective September 15, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than June 25, 2010 for the assignment of a 10 percent rating for service-connected external hemorrhoids is denied.,For hearing loss in the right ear prior to April 28, 2016 and a rating in excess of 70 percent for bilateral hearing loss thereafter, the Veteran's claim is denied. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating or a rating in excess of 70 percent during the appeal period.,For lumbar spine disability, the Veteran's claim is denied as his service-connected lumbar spine disability has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent at any time during the appeal period. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased rating due to IVDS with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks during the past 12 months, forward flexion of the lumbar spine limited to 30 degrees, ankylosis, or neurologic abnormalities (other than radiculopathy of the lower extremities).,For right leg sciatica and left leg radiculopathy, the Veteran's claim is denied as his service-connected disabilities have not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent at any time during the appeal period. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased rating due to at least moderately severe incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's claims for residuals of a stroke, right shoulder disorder, and prostate disorder are addressed separately.

The Veteran's hearing loss and hemorrhoids have been rated as noncompensable, with no evidence of functional impairment or secondary conditions.,Tinnitus has not been shown to be related to service, and the tumor of the right side gum and sinus is pending further evaluation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability and hemorrhoids are etiologically related to his active service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased evaluations for his residual scars of the left knee, service connection for a rectal/anal disorder (including hemorrhoids, anal fissure and anal stricture) and pilonidal cyst, and service connection for a right shoulder disorder. The claim to reopen service connection for bilateral hearing loss is also denied.

The Veteran's IBS has been productive of severe impairment throughout the appeal period, warranting a 30% disability rating effective July 28, 2015.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions of hemorrhoids, colon polyps (claimed as diverticulitis), and respiratory disability were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's hemorrhoids and IBS were not related to service, as her symptoms did not start during or immediately after her deployment. The conditions are considered direct service connection cases.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since November 1, 2009.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the highest schedular ratings available have been assigned for his hemorrhoids and thigh disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected due to lack of evidence supporting a nexus between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for consideration of extraschedular ratings for hemorrhoids, with a focus on the impact of the Veteran's symptoms and employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed hypertension was not present in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of separation, and is not otherwise causally related to his active service or service-connected hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and low back syndrome, caused him to be substantially confined to his dwelling and immediate premises. However, the need for aid and attendance was not due solely to these service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and theories of causation, including service connection for various disabilities allegedly related to poisoning during service. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, schedule appropriate VA examinations, and consider the Veteran's claims in light of his reported exposures.

The Board has granted a separate rating of 10 percent for impairment of rectal sphincter control with fecal incontinence as of April 21, 2015. The initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids was denied.

The Veteran was granted service connection for vertigo as a residual of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) incurred in-service, and for an acquired psychiatric condition to include PTSD. Service connection was denied for hemorrhoids.,The Veteran's vertigo is linked to his in-service TBI, while his PTSD is related to combat stressors.