The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of his service-connected hemorrhoids prior to February 16, 2016 is granted. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for hemorrhoids since February 16, 2016 on an extraschedular basis is denied. The claims for increased evaluations of DDD and DJD of the lumbar spine prior to January 19, 2018 and beginning January 19, 2018 are remanded. The claim for TDIU prior to June 17, 2014 is also remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids have been rated at the maximum schedular rating available (20%) since February 16, 2016 and there is no legal basis for a higher evaluation. The claims for increased evaluations of DDD and DJD of the lumbar spine prior to January 19, 2018 and beginning January 19, 2018 are remanded as they require further development. The claim for TDIU prior to June 17, 2014 is also remanded.
- Claimed conditions
- Hemorrhoids
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 3, 2019
- Citation
- 19190978
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 19190978.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of increased rating for back disability, service connection for sleep apnea, left heel, and hemorrhoids, as well as entitlement to a TDIU prior to August 1, 2025, for additional development.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for higher ratings on all claims due to untimely Notices of Disagreement.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids. However, the Veteran was granted a 50% rating prior to June 12, 2024, and a 100% rating from that date forward for his acquired psychiatric disability.
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