Hemorrhoids Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current low bowel disorder, to include hemorrhoids. The residuals of the GSW, left lower leg are well-healed and do not meet the criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for peptic ulcer disease, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are characterized by continuous moderate manifestations of constipation, stomach pain, epigastric burning, intermittent diarrhea and regurgitation. The preponderance of evidence does not support higher ratings.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent prior to May 4, 2007 and at 40 percent beginning from that date. His irritable bowel syndrome warrants a 10 percent evaluation. The Veteran's bilateral shin splints do not meet the criteria for any compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's combined rating of 80 percent due to service-connected disabilities does not meet the criteria for a TDIU, as her disabilities are rated at least 40% and she meets the percentage requirements. The Board finds no persuasive evidence suggesting that her service-connected disabilities render her unemployable.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 20 percent evaluation for hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding due to anal fissure, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for such rating prior to May 18, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unemployable, as she is currently employed in an administrative/personnel capacity.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining terminal treatment records and clarifying a previous VA medical opinion regarding whether service-connected conditions contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. Further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids and allergic rhinitis.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for bowel incontinence, finding that the appellant's condition is moderate and warrants a 10 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates are not warranted, as there is no evidence of an increase in severity within one year prior to the date of receipt of his claims.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids were rated at 10 percent prior to December 23, 2008 and at 20 percent thereafter. The Veteran's shell fragment wounds right forearm with scars resulted in a 10 percent rating.,The Veteran's tinnitus was rated at 10 percent since October 23, 2007.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of hemorrhoids is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic respiratory disorder or hemorrhoids during service and denied service connection for these conditions. The Veteran's current diagnoses are not established as having been present since service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased rating, and compensation for hemorrhoids are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for hemorrhoids and degenerative arthritis of the left knee, as well as his claim for service connection for a right knee disorder, require additional development. The case is being remanded to provide new VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain updated VA and private medical records, as well as a new examination. The issues of increased rating for duodenal ulcer and service connection for hemorrhoids are pending.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran has residuals of childbirth, including cystocele, urinary incontinence and hemorrhoids, tinnitus, and a left elbow disorder that began during her military service. Residuals of childbirth are granted. Tinnitus is granted. A left elbow disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing assistance is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and review of evidence.

The Veteran's death is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private terminal hospital records and securing a medical opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected varicose vein and hemorrhoid disabilities and his cause of death.

The Veteran seeks a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities and the medication he must take for pain related to those conditions. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his service-connected disorders and their impact on employment.