If you experience painful hemorrhoids that are linked to your military service, you may be eligible for compensation. This post explains more about the hemorrhoids VA rating and how to qualify.
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If you have hemorrhoids, you know how uncomfortable they can be. They can bleed, make it difficult to sit or walk, and bowel movements can be painful. What you may not know is that you can receive VA disability for hemorrhoids as a primary service-connected condition, or VA disability for hemorrhoids secondary to IBS.
In this article about the hemorrhoids VA rating:
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins in the rectum and anus. They are usually caused by straining during bowel movements, although there are other causes, like sitting for long periods, chronic diarrhea or constipation, and regular heavy lifting.
Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids are on the wall of the anal canal. They stick out during straining or pressure, but then they go back inside the body. This type of hemorrhoid may bleed or discharge mucus.
External hemorrhoids are at the anal opening beneath the skin. They usually don’t cause problems unless they form a blood clot. If that happens, they can be severely painful.
You can usually manage hemorrhoids by changing your diet or waiting for them to go away on their own. However, they sometimes require medication or even surgery for removal.
“From the day we contacted [Woods and Woods], they made us feel so comfortable. They treated us like we mattered and we were not just clients but family.”
L.B., a Navy veteran and wife in Florida
Hemorrhoids VA rating
The VA rates hemorrhoids using diagnostic code 7336 in the Schedule of Ratings, depending on the severity of the condition. The ratings are as follows:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| Internal or external hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and anemia; or continuously prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis | 20% | $346.95 |
| Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with two or less episodes per year of thrombosis; or external hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis | 10% | $175.51 |
VA disability for hemorrhoids secondary to IBS
Hemorrhoids are commonly considered a secondary condition to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The intestinal disorder causes stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Diarrhea and constipation are linked to the development of hemorrhoids.
Gulf War veterans are especially prone to IBS, which is a symptom of Gulf War Syndrome, a range of chronic, unexplained symptoms affecting Persian Gulf War veterans.
Doctors aren’t sure what causes IBS, but they believe it can be related to stress and environmental exposure to bacteria or pollutants. These factors put many veterans at greater risk because of their experiences in service.
The VA rates IBS at 0%, 10%, or 30%, depending on the severity of symptoms.
Veterans with service-connected IBS may be able to link hemorrhoids they develop to the issue, making them a secondary condition and eligible for higher disability compensation.
Service connecting hemorrhoids
Aside from connecting them on a secondary basis, there are generally three ways to establish a service connection to hemorrhoids.
The simplest way to establish a service connection for hemorrhoids is to show evidence that they started during service. In some cases, this is simply a matter of collecting your medical records to prove the timing of the hemorrhoid outbreak. If you have documentation that your hemorrhoids developed during your military service, that makes them service-connected.
Another way to service connect hemorrhoids is if you experienced them before joining the military, but they worsened significantly during your time in the service.
To make this service connection, you must provide evidence that the worsening of your condition was more severe than its natural progression. For example, you may be able to prove that heavy lifting, the requirement to sit for long periods, or severe constipation from the provided food or lack of water during service worsened the condition.
Lastly, a service connection can be proven when hemorrhoids are diagnosed after service if they are related to a service-connected disability.
It’s possible that internal hemorrhoids went unnoticed because they caused little or no pain and only occasional bleeding. Alternatively, you may have foregone seeing a doctor about your hemorrhoids during your service, either because they were mild, or due to embarrassment. Making this service connection requires that you provide testimony or evidence that the hemorrhoids started during service.
“If you were injured while serving this country and are reading this review, I encourage you to contact Woods and Woods right away. They are always standing ready to assist veterans in need.”
J.B., a Navy veteran in Virginia
How Woods and Woods can help
If you have a service-connected condition that affects your ability to live and work comfortably, you deserve VA disability compensation. Contact Woods and Woods today for a free consultation to see how we can help. You only pay us if we win.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, you can receive a VA disability rating for hemorrhoids as a primary or secondary condition. The rating is 10% or 20%, depending on the severity of the condition.
The diarrhea and constipation associated with IBS can cause hemorrhoids. The syndrome can also exacerbate hemorrhoids. Therefore, you may qualify for a secondary service connection for hemorrhoids if you have service-connected IBS.
Neil Woods
VA disability lawyer
Woods and Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
