The veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected cervical spine disability, sarcoidosis, and hemorrhoids have been denied.,For the cervical spine, a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted as there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes or chronic orthopedic and neurologic manifestations that would justify such a higher evaluation.,For sarcoidosis, a compensable rating is not warranted due to lack of persistent symptoms requiring maintenance or intermittent corticosteroids.,For hemorrhoids, the veteran's disability picture more closely resembles large or thrombotic hemorrhoids with frequent recurrences.

The deciding factor: The evidence does not demonstrate incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome that would warrant a higher rating under the revised criteria. The veteran’s forward flexion is greater than 30 degrees but not more than 40 degrees, and his combined range of motion is also within this range.,For sarcoidosis, there is no evidence of FEV-1 at least 114 percent of predicted, an FEV-1/FVC of at least 85.6 percent or a DLCO of at least 99 percent of predicted, nor persistent symptoms requiring chronic low dose (maintenance) or intermittent corticosteroids.,For hemorrhoids, the veteran's disability picture more closely resembles large or thrombotic hemorrhoids with frequent recurrences, which is not adequately addressed by the current rating criteria.

Claimed conditions

Degenerative disc disease with spondylosis of the cervical spine, Sarcoidosis, Hemorrhoids

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

June 5, 2006

Citation

0616367

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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0616367.