Hemorrhoids Board decisions

The Veteran's thoracic and lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum allowable rating under the diagnostic criteria. The cervical spine disability is also rated at 10 percent. No other conditions have been granted increased ratings.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD was adequately addressed by the rating schedule and did not meet the criteria for an extraschedular evaluation. The Veteran's TDIU claim on an extra-schedular basis prior to January 19, 2010 was also denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right shoulder rotator cuff strain and associated conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of June 2, 2009. Effective July 1, 2011, the Veteran was granted TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for hemorrhoids and PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The claim of service connection for hemorrhoids was reopened due to new evidence received since the previous denial.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia, gastric ulcer, and gastritis is currently rated at 30 percent. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran has separate disabilities involving anal laxity and hemorrhoids. The Board granted a 10 percent disability rating for anal laxity under Diagnostic Code 7332, but denied the request for a separate rating for hemorrhoids as they are already rated together.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a grant of TDIU.

The case is being remanded for additional examinations and development to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal disabilities, as well as the existence and etiology of his left and right knee symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss disability is related to active service and grants service connection for this condition. The issue of entitlement to service connection for hemorrhoids remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder has been reopened and is now pending. The evidence received since the last final denial shows that his right shoulder disorder may be related to military service.,Service connection was granted for major depressive disorder, but no specific rating or compensation amount was provided as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU were denied. The maximum schedular rating for residuals of status-post hemorrhoid surgery has been granted, but the Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating. Lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent disabling, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity at 10 percent, and left lower extremity at 10 percent. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding service treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded to obtain updated VA examinations and treatment records, as the current information in the file is outdated.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of his dysthymic disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hemorrhoids.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

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

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various gastrointestinal and prostate conditions. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to incomplete information and need for additional development, including an addendum opinion considering the Veteran's current enrollment in a vocational rehabilitation program.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, bilateral plantar fasciitis, hemorrhoids, and tinea pedis. The appeal is dismissed.