Hemorrhoids Board decisions

The Veteran's initial disability rating for hemorrhoids was granted, but the Board found that a higher rating of 20 percent is warranted due to persistent bleeding and its role in causing anemia.

The Veteran's anal fissures with hemorrhoids are not considered to be a result of VA medical treatment, and the claim is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for tinnitus, hearing loss, or hemorrhoids due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dermatitis and hemorrhoids began during service, warranting service connection for both conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current stomach disability, including diverticulitis and chronic gastritis, did not start during service or due to Agent Orange exposure. However, the Veteran's hemorrhoids were determined to have started in service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion from an orthopedic physician and acquiring all relevant VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since July 14, 2009.

The Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of in-service onset and nexus to service.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted a compensable rating (20%) for hemorrhoids. The Veteran's current symptoms of itching, pain, and swelling are addressed by the rating criteria.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, residuals of a reaction to penicillin, broken nose, hemorrhoids, and pes planus. The evidence does not support the presence of current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids, status post-operative, have not been manifested by persistent bleeding and with secondary anemia or with fissures. Therefore, a rating in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Veteran's initial ratings for hemorrhoids and otitis media and Eustachian tube dysfunction have been granted, with a 20 percent rating assigned. Service connection has also been established for these conditions.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids, effective from May 3, 2011. The initial 10 percent rating was assigned for the period December 1, 2008 to May 2, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine right paracentral disc protrusion of L4-L5 was granted a 20 percent rating prior to August 7, 2010 and a 40 percent rating since then. The left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome was granted an increased rating from 10 percent to 40 percent since August 29, 2011. The Veteran's external hemorrhoids were granted a 10 percent rating prior to August 7, 2010 and a 20 percent rating thereafter.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a higher rating for his service-connected hemorrhoids has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examinations and records, including those from VA treatment centers. The Veteran's right hand disability and hemorrhoids are at issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD substantially contributed to his death, as evidenced by the Veteran's dementia and other conditions listed on his death certificate.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining employment history information and VA/SSA records. The case will be readjudicated after the development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disorder, lumbar spine disorder, hemorrhoids, and basal cell carcinoma are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship with his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, including articulation disorder (hip), fatigue and low energy, hyperlipidemia, IBS, or diverticulitis. Therefore, his claims are denied.