Scars decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that there is no competent and credible evidence to support the Veteran's claim of a right arm scar being incurred in service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support this claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, an increased rating for right carpal tunnel syndrome, and initial evaluations greater than 10 percent for right wrist and ankle surgical scars. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his left chest scar, service connection for sleep apnea, and service connection for erectile dysfunction were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Board hearing. Service connection claims for various conditions are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected facial scars are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to unclear Veteran's wishes and need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an eye disorder, acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD, and a higher rating for hearing loss. The Board found that current eye disorders were not incurred or aggravated in service nor as a result of any service-connected disorder.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues related to service connection and initial compensable ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims for service connection for chronic sinusitis, non-allergic rhinitis, and scars about the nose, all claimed as secondary to a service-connected nasal fracture.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and attempting to obtain 1984 hospitalization records. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for left knee arthritis with scar or left knee instability.

The Board has remanded the case due to withdrawal of appeals for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus issues. The anterior chest wall scar is rated as noncompensable, with no significant effects on daily activities or occupation.

The Veteran's left knee disability has been rated at 20 percent, and his left knee scar was assigned a noncompensable evaluation. The Veteran requested to withdraw the appeal regarding the left knee scar.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of glaucoma, an increased evaluation for his left chorioretinal scar, and a separate initial evaluation for his bilateral photosensitivity.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of whether all service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder and multiple scars, render the Veteran unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's somatization disorder with PTSD is rated at 100 percent, rendering moot his appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU). His claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance was withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for a right arm scar and bilateral shin splints are granted. The Veteran provided credible testimony regarding his right arm scar, while no current disability of bilateral shin splints was found during VA examination.

The Veteran's shell fragment wound scar, claimed as a shell fragment wound, right lower extremity is related to his active military service. The appeal for an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss was withdrawn by the Veteran during the May 2012 Board hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and providing the Veteran with an opportunity to obtain VA medical treatment.