The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for hemorrhoids and service connection for tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a higher disability level or a nexus to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be less likely than not related to her military service due to the low probability of hazardous noise exposure in her MOS and the lack of documentation of tinnitus during service. For hemorrhoids, the evidence did not show persistent bleeding or secondary anemia, which would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- hemorrhoids, tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 31, 2024
- Citation
- A24070815
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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 claim for service connection for hemorrhoids due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, requiring an additional direct medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted a 10 percent rating for hemorrhoids, which fully satisfies the Veteran's appeal.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for vertigo, incontinence, and GERD due to the lack of evidence supporting current diagnoses. The claims for hematuria and hemorrhoids were remanded for further development.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for hemorrhoids, scars, low back disability, left ankle disability, left and right shoulder disabilities, and left and right hip disabilities as the evidence did not show that the Veteran had these conditions or related symptoms during the appeal period.
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