The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and an increased rating for hemorrhoids. The claim for new and material evidence regarding ulcerative colitis was also denied.,Service connection for a back disorder could not be established as there is no medical evidence showing it was incurred during or aggravated by service, nor can it be presumed due to exposure to herbicides. The veteran's current low back pain may have been present since service but without objective evidence of its origin.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the veteran did not provide sufficient medical evidence to establish a link between his current low back condition and his military service or any service-connected disability, including hemorrhoids. The VA examiner's opinion was considered highly probative as it reviewed the claims folder and provided an explanation for why the veteran’s current low back pain is likely related to his service.
- Claimed conditions
- Back Disorder, Hemorrhoids
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 24, 2006
- Citation
- 0608654
Veterans Law Judge
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0608654.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for her service-connected hemorrhoids was denied as the evidence did not show large or thrombotic, irreducible hemorrhoids with excessive redundant tissue, evidencing frequent recurrence.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in obtaining medical records and for an additional medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disorder.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted higher levels of SMC and aid and attendance special monthly compensation effective May 3, 2024, due to his service-connected conditions that require regular aid and assistance.
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