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
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,963 · Granted: 32% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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.
- 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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