The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for hemorrhoids with anal fissure and papilla beginning October 12, 2016. The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is rated as 10 percent effective July 6, 2017. The Board has also remanded the issues of atopic dermatitis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and service connection for tinea corporis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine due to lack of evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes as required by the IVDS Formula. The Board found that the Veteran's flare-ups were infrequent, with only three major flare-ups over the 7-year appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Hemorrhoids, Lumbar spine degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 30, 2023
- Citation
- A23034094
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 A23034094.
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.
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.