The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no current disability associated with mild brain atrophy, and the lumbar spine disability was not shown to be related to service. The initial compensable ratings for hemorrhoids and status post laparoscopic cholecystectomy were also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of any disability associated with mild selective frontal lobe brain atrophy, and there was no evidence linking the lumbar spine disability to service. The initial compensable ratings for hemorrhoids and status post laparoscopic cholecystectomy were not met due to lack of evidence demonstrating their severity.
- Claimed conditions
- Mild brain atrophy, Lumbar spine disability (mild selective frontal lobe brain atrophy), Hemorrhoids, Status post laparoscopic cholecystectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 21, 2009
- Citation
- 0931369
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 0931369.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
- 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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids and a separate rating of 10 percent for pruritus ani is partially granted. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable code, including revised Diagnostic Code 7336.
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