The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for gouty arthritis of bilateral ankles was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to June 18, 2009, and for a 10 percent rating from that date forward.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for hemorrhoids was also denied by the Board. They determined that his hemorrhoid pathology did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner noted that the Veteran’s gouty arthritis of bilateral ankles had been well controlled with medication and did not cause significant functional impairment, thus failing to meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5017-5002. The Board found no evidence of moderate or marked limitation of motion in either ankle.,Regarding the Veteran's hemorrhoids, the VA examiner noted that they were not large or thrombotic and did not cause frequent recurrences, thus failing to meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7336.
- Claimed conditions
- Gouty Arthritis of Bilateral Ankles, Hemorrhoids
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 31, 2011
- Citation
- 1121023
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1121023.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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