The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for hemorrhoids was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding functional loss during flare-ups or after repetitive use over time.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hemorrhoids were rated under Diagnostic Code 7336, which does not include criteria for persistent bleeding with secondary anemia or fissures.,The VA examiner could not determine the extent of functional loss due to flare-ups and repetitive use without resorting to speculation.
- Claimed conditions
- Hemorrhoids, Lumbosacral Strain with Intervertebral Disc Syndrome and Degenerative Disc Disease of the Thoracic Spine, Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 26, 2022
- Citation
- 22004055
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 22004055.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and tinnitus.
- 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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and hemorrhoids, but remanded the claim for a right knee disability.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for higher ratings on all claims due to untimely Notices of Disagreement.
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