Scars decisions — 2014

The Veteran's shell fragment wound residuals of the right and left thighs have resulted in moderate muscle damage/impairment, warranting a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including anatomical loss of the left eye and cataract in the right eye, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. Therefore, his claim for a TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for residual T shaped scar, status post treatment for acne keloidal nuchae was denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not manifested by unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine from August 1, 2008 to March 12, 2010 and since March 12, 2010. The criteria for higher initial evaluations were not met.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected recurrent subluxation status post rotator cuff repair with arthroplasty scar of the right shoulder with glenohumeral arthritis is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to evaluate any related neurological complaints.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for left knee scars and finds that new and material evidence has been received to support this claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including issuing a Statement of the Case and scheduling a Travel Board hearing to address all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. Multiple claims are on hold and will be addressed at the hearing.

The Veteran's claim for hepatitis C service connection is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or after service. The claims for increased ratings for left carpal tunnel syndrome and calcium chip-like deposits in the elbows are also denied, with the latter being rated at 10% due to current symptoms not meeting criteria for higher ratings. The claim for compensable rating for scar of the left cheek is pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for an SOC regarding the effective date of service connection and a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining ships logs and his complete military personnel file.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for scars of the arms and legs, as well as his reopened claim for service connection for migraine headaches have been granted. The Board found that there is sufficient evidence to establish a link between the current conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including joint pain, tingling in fingertips, child birth defects, miscarriages, allergies/sinus disability, hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease, loss of voice, fibroid disability, neutropenia, iron deficiency anemia, and low blood count. The Board found that the evidence did not support a service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including atherosclerotic heart disease with old myocardial infarction and diabetes mellitus, precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation as of May 15, 2002. He met the threshold schedular requirements for an award of TDIU benefits under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a) as of that date.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's right ankle and low back disorders have not been diagnosed, while he has a current diagnosis of a burn scar on his left arm.,Service connection for the burn scar was granted.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a hearing before the Board and to take appropriate steps in order to conduct it. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for a visual disability, residuals of a head injury, and left knee disability. The claim for diabetes mellitus is granted.,The claim for erectile dysfunction was not incurred in active service and is not secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's facial scars are found to be related to her in-service diagnosis and treatment for acne vulgaris, which is considered a direct service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a gunshot wound claimed as scars secondary to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is granted. The appeal regarding PTSD and drug and alcohol abuse secondary to PTSD has been withdrawn by the Veteran.