HEMORRHOIDS EXTERNAL OR INTERNAL

DONNIE R. HACHEY · 2026 · Case ID: A26039466

GRANTED

Summary

The veteran, who served from December 2005 to May 2011 and January 2013 to January 2014, appeals a December 2024 rating decision concerning his hemorrhoids. The veteran sought an increased rating for his service-connected hemorrhoids, which were previously rated at 0 percent. The appeal period began on May 19, 2023, following an intent to file. The case involved the application of updated rating criteria for hemorrhoids under Diagnostic Code 7336, effective May 19, 2024. The veteran underwent two VA examinations during the appeal period. The first in October 2023 found hemorrhoids, but the second in October 2024 found no hemorrhoids present during the exam, though an anal fissure was noted. The veteran reported persistent bleeding and pain. The Board found the veteran's report credible and, applying the benefit of the doubt, concluded that the evidence supported a 20 percent rating for hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and fissures throughout the appeal period, granting entitlement to this rating from May 19, 2023.

Rationale

Veteran reported persistent bleeding and pain.; Found to have an anal fissure at VA exam.; Credible report of symptoms.; Benefit of the doubt applied.

Special Benefit

NO SPECIAL BENEFIT

Diagnostic Code

7336

Docket No.

251202-640393

Full Decision Text

Citation Nr: A26039466
Decision Date: 04/28/26 Archive Date: 04/28/26

DOCKET NO. 251202-640393
DATE: April 28, 2026

ORDER

Entitlement to a 20 percent disability rating for hemorrhoids from May 19, 2023, is granted.

FINDING OF FACT

The Veteran has hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and fissures.

CONCLUSION OF LAW

The criteria to establish a 20 percent disability rating for hemorrhoids have been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1155, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7336.

REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION

The Veteran served on active duty from December 2005 to May 2011 and from January 2013 to January 2014. He appeals a December 2024 rating decision by the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Veteran requested that his appeal be placed on the direct review docket. See December 2025 VA Form 10182. Under the direct review docket, the Board is only authorized to review the evidence of record at the time of the AOJ's December 2024 rating decision. 38 C.F.R. § 20.301.

Entitlement to a compensable disability rating for hemorrhoids

The Veteran contends that his service-connected hemorrhoids are more severe than his present noncompensable (0 percent) rating would indicate. His condition is presently rated under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7336, which contemplates internal or external hemorrhoids. See 38 C.F.R. § 4.114.

In May 2022, the AOJ denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids. See May 2022 rating decision. More than one year after being notified of this decision, the Veteran filed an intent to file a new claim. See May 2023 intent to file. Then, in September 2023, the Veteran filed a new claim seeking an increased rating. See September 2023 VA Form 21-526EZ. Thus, the period on appeal begins on the date of the intent to file was received, May 19, 2023. See 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.155, 3.2500(h)(2).

The rating criteria pertaining to the digestive system were amended effective May 19, 2024. See 89 Fed. Reg. 19735 (March 20, 2024). Generally, if a law or regulation changes during the course of a claim or an appeal, the version more favorable to the Veteran will apply, to the extent permitted by any stated effective date in the amendment. See 38 U.S.C. § 5110(g).

Under the previous version of DC 7336, a noncompensable rating is warranted for hemorrhoids that are mild or moderate. A 10 percent rating is warranted for hemorrhoids which are large or thrombotic, irreducible, with excessive redundant tissue, evidencing frequent recurrences. A 20 percent rating is warranted for hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and with secondary anemia, or with fissures.

Under new DC 7336, a 10 percent rating is warranted for prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with two or less episodes per year of thrombosis; or external hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis. A 20 percent rating is warranted for internal or external hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and anemia; or continuously prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis. See 38 C.F.R. § 4.114.

The Veteran attended two VA examinations during the appeal period, with the first occurring in October 2023. The AOJ later determined that this examination was inadequate, as it did not consider the Veteran's symptoms in light of the newly-amended criteria. See August 2024 higher-level review return.

The Veteran was given a subsequent VA examination in October 2024. The Veteran reported that his condition had progressed or worsened, and that he was having "lots of bleeding/pain." See October 2024 VA examination. The examiner found that the Veteran did not present with any hemorrhoids. Id. However, she did find that the Veteran had an anal fissure. Id.

In the "Examination" portion of the examination report, the examiner noted the presence of an anal fissure, and also found "[n]o rectal pain or bleed." Id. The Board takes this to
light of the newly-amended criteria. See August 2024 higher-level review return.

In the "Examination" portion of the examination report, the examiner noted the presence of an anal fissure, and also found "[n]o rectal pain or bleed." Id. The Board takes this to mean that the Veteran did not exhibit any bleeding or pain during the examination, not that he does not experience any bleeding or pain in general. The Veteran has reported that his condition causes pain and bleeding, and the Board finds this report to be credible. See Jandreau v. Nicholson, 492 F.3d 1373, 1377 (Fed. Cir. 2007) (veterans are competent to report their symptoms).

The Board finds this evidence sufficient to support a 20 percent rating throughout the appeal period. The prior rating criteria called for a 20 percent rating for hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding or with fissures. See 38 C.F.R. § 4.114. At the October 2024 VA examination, the Veteran reported bleeding and was found to have a fissure. While he was not found to have hemorrhoids at the time, he was found to have hemorrhoids during the October 2023 VA examination, which occurred during the appeal period.

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Thus, considering the evidence as a whole, and affording the Veteran the benefit of the doubt, the Board finds the evidence sufficient to conclude that the Veteran has had hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and fissures throughout the appeal period. See 38 U.S.C. § 5107. Accordingly, entitlement to an increased rating of 20 percent for hemorrhoids is warranted from May 19, 2023.

DONNIE R. HACHEY

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board Moore, Thomas J.

The Board's decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.

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