Hemorrhoids Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's hemorrhoid disability, which was accompanied by persistent bleeding and secondary anemia, more closely approximated the criteria for a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7336. The claim is therefore granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have or had arthritis of either hand, a left knee disorder, left foot plantar fasciitis, or hemorrhoids during the appellate period. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's combined rating of 40 percent for his service-connected disabilities was correctly calculated by the RO in its April 2011 decision. The appeal for a combined rating in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any current bilateral knee disability, back disability, and psychiatric disability. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for colon disorder and hemorrhoids, finding that these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by her active duty. The Board also found that they are not proximately due to or a result of her service-connected anal fissures with sphincter impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance of another person, nor does he require assistance in attending to the ordinary hazards of daily living. The Board finds that there is insufficient evidence to grant special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation between June 22, 2011 and June 5, 2012, and as of August 1, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome, to include degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, postoperative was granted a disability rating in excess of 20 percent as of October 22, 2015. However, prior to this date, his claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent was denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids, service connection for a low back disorder, hypertension, and coronary artery disease were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids, allergic rhinitis, and headaches have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development to determine his ability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's pelvic neuralgia, status post right orchiectomy, was found to be due to removal of one testis and not related to service. The disability has resulted in pain but no deformity.,Erectile dysfunction caused by chronic pain did not result in a penile deformity. Medication is required for the Veteran's erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids have been rated at 10 percent since February 9, 2012. The Board has found that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's condition more nearly approximates a 10 percent disability rating for this period.

The Veteran's hypertension and hemorrhoids claims have been denied. The Board found no evidence of service connection for hypertension within one year post-service, and the VA examiner opined that there was insufficient evidence to link his current diagnosis to service. For hemorrhoids, the Board noted that the most recent examination did not show any active bleeding or symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids do not warrant a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran is entitled to an annual clothing allowance for the year 2013 due to his use of a VA-provided ankle brace that causes premature wearing of his clothing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened. The Board has not found new and material evidence to reopen the claims of service connection for hiatal hernia, bilateral hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, a disability manifested by loss of smell, or a sleep disability (to include sleep apnea).

The Veteran's hemorrhoids have been rated at 10 percent since September 11, 2003. The Board has granted a separate 10 percent rating for leakage due to hemorrhoids during the period from September 11, 2003, to October 23, 2011. For the period beginning October 24, 2011, the Veteran's condition does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids do not warrant a compensable rating at any point during the period under review.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a hemorrhoids disability due to new and material evidence. However, further examination is needed to determine if any current hemorrhoids disability is related to service.