Hemorrhoids Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The issues of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids and a postoperative scar on the right breast are not yet ready for appellate review.

The Board has determined that the RO's decision is not in compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and requires additional development before a final determination can be made.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his tinnitus was already at its maximum rating of 10%, bilateral hearing loss did not meet compensable criteria, external hemorrhoid had no active symptoms, spermatocele left side had no active pathology, pulmonary disorder did not show active pathology, right middle finger injury and osteophyte, dorsal right foot were not incurred in service, and neck pain was not established as a current condition.

The veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of an effective date earlier than February 8, 2001, for a 20 percent evaluation for internal derangement of the left knee with postoperative degenerative changes. The remaining issues were remanded for further development.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 20 percent for DJD of the left ankle, a 10 percent evaluation for chronic maxillary sinusitis, and denied compensable ratings for hemorrhoids.

The Board found that the veteran's hemorrhoid disorder, while recurrent and causing occasional symptoms such as itching and stinging, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to persistent bleeding or fissures. The condition was primarily manifested by small to moderate-sized hemorrhoids without evidence of secondary anemia.

The Board granted service connection for Raynaud's disease and an initial noncompensable evaluation for hemorrhoids. The veteran was found to have a current disability of Raynaud's disease, which is presumed to be related to his military service. For the hemorrhoids, the VA determined that there were no objective findings or symptoms warranting any compensation.

The Board found that the veteran's current internal/external hemorrhoids do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation guidelines.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to VCAA notification deficiencies.

The Board denied all claims, including an increased rating for detached retina of the left eye and a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids. The claim for service connection for ulcers was also denied.

The veteran's disabilities, including multiple conditions such as cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, and benign prostatic hypertrophy, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent prior to November 16, 1998; zero percent from January 1, 1999, to August 9, 2000; and 20 percent from August 10, 2000, for his service-connected bilateral inguinal hernia must be denied. He does not meet any of the criteria for the next higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7338.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a low back disorder, arthritis of the legs, disability manifested by dizziness and syncope, migraine headaches, tinea pedis, tinea cruris, onychomycosis, hemorrhoidal tags, or lentiginosis that are related to active service. Therefore, these claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids and gastritis with hiatal hernia, finding that the current symptoms do not warrant a compensable or higher rating under applicable VA disability evaluation criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 2, 2001 for the grant of a total rating for compensation based upon individual unemployability due to lack of evidence showing he became unemployable within one year of that date and because his service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for such a rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development of evidence and consideration.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chest pain and headaches, as well as his increased rating claims. The veteran is not entitled to these benefits based on the evidence of record.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and residuals of hemorrhoidectomy, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable criteria.

The VA denied an increased rating for hemorrhoids and hearing loss, as well as not reopening the tinnitus claim or granting service connection for a foot disability.