Hemorrhoids Board decisions

The Veteran's asthma and hemorrhoids were found to have onset in service, warranting service connection. The cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent based on forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees, with a combined range of motion greater than 170 degrees. Tension headaches are separately evaluated.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn, and his claims for diabetes mellitus and weight control problems or obesity have not met the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently non-compensable as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7101.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, combined with his non-service-connected back and joint conditions, has rendered him unemployable. However, this determination is based on his non-service-connected disabilities rather than solely on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities were denied as the Veteran did not report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's BPPV was found to have its inception in service and continued since service, granting service connection for this condition. The other issues were not addressed due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and a skin condition of the face have not been granted. The claim for non-service-connected pension has also been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service-connected conditions are not rated higher than the current assigned ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with examinations to assess his lumbar spine and hemorrhoid disabilities, as well as determining the nature and etiology of any cervical spine disability. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated as 40 percent disabling effective November 12, 2013. The rating for hemorrhoids remains noncompensable. Both conditions are not service-connected.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for a higher initial rating in excess of 30 percent for fasciotomy, left foot with plantar fasciitis prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are manifested by persistent bleeding and occasional pain on intermittent, recurrent flare-ups. They do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support earlier effective dates prior to January 14, 2014, for the grant of service connection for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and right knee patellar chondromalacia with patellofemoral syndrome. The Veteran's hemorrhoids were rated as noncompensable.

The Board has granted service connection for hemorrhoids and anal fissures, finding that the Veteran's current disability is etiologically related to his active military service. The issues of increased ratings for lumbosacral spine and left leg varicose veins disabilities are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for internal hemorrhoids with external scarring is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such nature and severity as to preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for the issues of entitlement to higher initial disability ratings for PTSD, a right ankle disability, and GERD; and service connection for hemorrhoids. The denial of service connection for TBI remains in effect.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to issue a Statement of the Case on several issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for hemorrhoids and service connection for a right eye disability due to incomplete development of her records, including those from the Atlanta VA Medical Center. The Veteran is advised that she must provide releases for any additional treatment or evaluation records.

The Veteran's appeal for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is dismissed because he has already been granted service connection for the gastrointestinal disability and hemorrhoids.