Scars decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance or is housebound due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye condition is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and provide a new opinion regarding her eye conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected right foot disability, which included a great toe fracture and scar, was found to warrant a 20 percent rating prior to July 1, 2009. From July 1, 2009 onwards, the Veteran is entitled to a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's respiratory disability other than pleural and sub-pleural lung scarring was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disorders, including chronic respiratory tract infections, dyspnea, and asthma, are less likely due to his service-connected pleural and sub-pleural lung scarring.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development, including an examination and completion of VA Form 21-8940.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent for scars of the sternum, left and right lower extremities secondary to coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of her service-connected disabilities on her ability to work.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back strain is being remanded to allow for additional examination and development of the record.

The Veteran's scar on his right hip is rated at 10 percent, effective June 4, 2009. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as there were no findings of instability or pain in excess of what was already considered under the current rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, hypertension, tinnitus, right wrist degenerative joint disease, bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral hearing loss, and a right wrist scar, are considered in determining whether he is unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings, an effective date assignment, and service connection for various conditions. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain outstanding treatment records from Waycross Orthopedics and to issue a Statement of the Case regarding the effective date claim.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for various conditions, but denied them as new and material evidence was not provided to substantiate these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of any current right knee disability, including a Segond fracture. The Veteran's claim is also incomplete as VA did not obtain all relevant private treatment records from San Antonio Orthopaedic Group.

The Board has waived the requirement for a timely substantive appeal and granted the Veteran's appeal to proceed with his claims of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for pelvic bone fracture and service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a 10 percent evaluation based on multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities has been rendered moot due to the assignment of a rating of at least 10 percent for his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus all issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and gunshot wound residuals, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.