Hemorrhoids Board decisions

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for chronic lumbosacral strain and hemorrhoids are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to address whether the Veteran's hemorrhoids are caused or aggravated by her service-connected irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hemorrhoids warrant an initial compensable disability evaluation of 10 percent, effective from the date of his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations. The case will be returned to the Board if further action is required.

The Board has granted service connection for dizziness and vertigo as secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's hemorrhoids are rated at 10% since February 19, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his authorized representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for entitlement to specially adapted housing due to loss or use of both lower extremities, blindness in both eyes, or loss of use of both upper extremities as to preclude locomotion.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids, finding that the criteria for such a rating were not met based on the lack of evidence showing large or thrombotic hemorrhoids with excessive redundant tissue and persistent bleeding.

The Veteran's chronic lower gastrointestinal disorder, including hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, impaired sphincter control, and intestinal fistula with fecal discharge, is considered to be related to his service. The Board finds that the current conditions are attributable to in-service hemorrhoids or post-surgical residuals of multiple hemorrhoidectomies.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his residuals of a nose injury (including headaches), the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's service-connected deviated nasal septum is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,External hemorrhoids are currently noncompensable, and the Board finds no basis to grant a compensable disability rating.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hemorrhoids have been manifested by painful recurring internal and external, nonthrombotic hemorrhoids with recurrent bleeding associated with constipation but no anemia or fissures. The criteria for a 20 percent evaluation prior to May 20, 2009 are met; however, there is no evidence of more than the currently assigned 20 percent rating since that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bowel disorder and tinea pedis, as well as an excessively high initial rating for bronchial asthma. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board found that the interruption of vocational rehabilitation benefits was proper, but did not find that achievement of the Veteran's goal to obtain a Bachelors Degree in Marine Engineering and obtaining a license as a maritime engineer is reasonably feasible.

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

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a head injury and hemorrhoids have been granted.,Residuals of closed head injury are found to be related to service, while the current diagnosis of hemorrhoids is considered direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses at Flagler Hospital on March 19, 2010 is denied because the emergency condition did not meet the criteria as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for an acquired psychiatric disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hemorrhoids, chronic sinusitis, right restless leg syndrome, and left restless leg syndrome has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss and hemorrhoids are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities. The case will be reviewed again after the examination and any necessary extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and chronic colitis, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating for compensation based on individual unemployability.