The Veteran's hemorrhoids were found to be external, measuring 0.5cm, not thrombosed, and resulting in occasional bleeding; an increased rating was denied as there were no exceptional or unusual factors that would render application of the regular rating schedule impractical.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hemorrhoids did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code due to their mild nature and lack of symptoms such as thrombosis, excessive redundant tissue, frequent recurrences, persistent bleeding with secondary anemia, or fissures.
- Claimed conditions
- hemorrhoids
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 16, 2009
- Citation
- 0909727
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for hemorrhoids due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, requiring an additional direct medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted a 10 percent rating for hemorrhoids, which fully satisfies the Veteran's appeal.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for vertigo, incontinence, and GERD due to the lack of evidence supporting current diagnoses. The claims for hematuria and hemorrhoids were remanded for further development.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for hemorrhoids, scars, low back disability, left ankle disability, left and right shoulder disabilities, and left and right hip disabilities as the evidence did not show that the Veteran had these conditions or related symptoms during the appeal period.
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