Hemorrhoids Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids has been reopened and remanded due to the submission of new evidence that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim. The Board is requesting a VA medical opinion regarding the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's hemorrhoids, including whether they are related to TERA.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional VA medical evidence to be considered and for an adequate VA examination of his low back disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a stomach condition, left knee condition, and hemorrhoids have been reopened.,Service connection has been granted for the Veteran's chronic stomach condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the ratings of hemorrhoids, right patellofemoral pain syndrome prior to October 4, 2022, and left patellofemoral pain syndrome prior to October 4, 2022. As a result, all issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's groin condition with scar is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings.,The Veteran's cerebral hemangioblastoma residuals with scar are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings and the need for a toxic exposure screening.,The Veteran's pancreatitis, GERD, and cervical spine disability are being remanded as they are intertwined with his cerebral hemangioblastoma claim on appeal.,The Veteran's OSA is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination addressing obesity as an intermediate step.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings and the need for a VA examination addressing obesity as an intermediate step.,The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.,The Veteran's lymph node condition is being remanded due to the need for a VA toxic exposure screening.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's exposure to herbicides and contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, as well as to obtain outstanding medical records. The claims for service connection are remanded in light of this determination.

The Veteran's TDIU appeal is remanded as there has been no medical opinion addressing the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his occupational impairment.

An initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids was denied. Prior to December 14, 2020 and from May 2, 2022, an initial higher than 30 percent rating for a headache disorder was denied. From December 14, 2020 through May 1, 2022, a 50 percent rating for a headache disorder was granted.,The Veteran's headaches were rated at 30 percent prior to December 14, 2020 and from May 2, 2022. From December 14, 2020 through May 1, 2022, the Veteran received a 50 percent rating for his headaches.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of compliance with previous remand directives and a need for an addendum opinion from a colorectal disorders specialist.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his knee disabilities and GERD. The Board finds no need to assign a rating or effective date at this time.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hemorrhoids are directly related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted as incurred in service.,Other claims for service connection are either remanded or reopened.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for various disabilities. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if VA followed proper procedures in scheduling his examinations, which could affect the assigned effective dates.

The Veteran's IBS with GERD and sliding hiatal hernia is granted a 30 percent rating, but no higher, beginning October 2, 2017. The Veteran's hemorrhoids are not rated compensable.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC based on aid and attendance are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a current respiratory disorder separate from OSA, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The remaining issues of service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and hemorrhoids are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids, finding that there is clear and unmistakable evidence that the condition preexisted service and was not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's epidermal cysts on back with scars have been granted a 30 percent disability rating. The issue of service connection for impairment of sphincter control, secondary to hemorrhoids is remanded due to lack of an addendum medical opinion and the need for VA examination records.

The Board denied an effective date prior to February 17, 2017, for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, but the appeals are remanded for further development and rating actions.