Hemorrhoids Board decisions

The veteran's increased ratings for herniated nucleus pulposus, lumbar spine and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were granted. The other conditions remained at noncompensable or zero percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for spondylosis, lumbar spine; chondromalacia, right knee with cyst; hiatal hernia; and hemorrhoids. The claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn by the veteran.

The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31 was denied due to his failure to cooperate in the pursuit of vocational services and maintain satisfactory conduct.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions are not shown to be related to active service.

The veteran's increased ratings for recurrent kidney stones and headaches were granted, while his rating for hemorrhoids was denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The VA found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability evaluations or service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, GERD with abdominal pain, and a residual abdominal scar. The claim for an initial compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 20% disability evaluation for service-connected hemorrhoids cannot be granted as there is no factually ascertainable evidence demonstrating an increase in disability prior to July 11, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae and a rating in excess of 20 percent for hemorrhoids, finding that his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA's rating schedule.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability evaluations or service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an initial, compensable rating for sleep apnea prior to December 13, 2005 and service connection for hemorrhoids and a bilateral foot disability. The RO continues to deny these claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA pension examination to determine the nature, extent, and severity of his disabilities.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The specific claims of higher ratings for spontaneous pneumothorax with bullous emphysema and hemorrhoids are still pending.

The VA denied a compensable rating for hemorrhoids, citing that the veteran's symptoms have remained moderate and not appreciably changed since his claim was received in March 2004.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids, which is the maximum allowable under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy of the right hand and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition. The claims for initial compensable evaluations for hemorrhoids and bilateral hearing loss, as well as service connection for tinnitus, are being remanded to complete the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to provide proper notice regarding new and material evidence requirements.