The Veteran's hemorrhoids were granted an initial rating of 10 percent, but no higher, prior to September 21, 2016. A rating in excess of 10 percent is denied for the period beginning September 21, 2016.,For his TBI residuals, a noncompensable rating was granted prior to August 5, 2013. A rating in excess of 10 percent is denied from that date forward.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hemorrhoids were manifested by large external hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and itching during the period prior to September 21, 2016, warranting a 10 percent rating. Beginning September 21, 2016, his condition was characterized by large external hemorrhoids with excessive redundant tissue evidencing frequent recurrences, persistent bleeding, pain, and itching, which warranted a higher rating.,The Veteran's TBI residuals were manifested by mild memory impairment and migraine headaches prior to August 5, 2013. These symptoms did not interfere with his daily activities or relationships, warranting a noncompensable rating. Beginning August 5, 2013, the Veteran's migraines were characterized as pulsating or throbbing head pain on both sides of the head, sensitivity to light, changes in vision, and sensory changes, which warranted a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Hemorrhoids, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 31, 2018
- Citation
- 18122756
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 18122756.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its residuals, including unsteady gait, somnolence, and cognitive dysfunction. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible lay statements about in-service head injuries and subsequent seizures.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and therefore, service connection for TBI is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to service-connected TBI with PTSD is granted, effective September 6, 2018.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.