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.
- 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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