Scars decisions — 2014

The Board has ordered a remand for additional development of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA examinations and any relevant private treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions regarding his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for residuals, shrapnel wound left buttock with scar, has been withdrawn.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining the Veteran's Social Security Administration records and providing a supplemental medical opinion regarding his psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an SOC on his claim of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected scars of the right occipital scalp and right eyebrow.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, low back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for right pointer and right middle finger disorders with scars is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examination and development of his claim, including consideration of whether separate evaluations are warranted under other diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was granted. The claims for service connection for aggravated asthma, a right ankle disability associated with a scar, and a low back disability were denied due to lack of evidence. New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and aggravated asthma.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of hearing loss, tinnitus, chronic kidney disability, jaundice, or a scar over the right eyebrow during service or within one year post-service. As such, these conditions are not presumed to have been incurred in service and cannot be granted on a direct basis.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a lung condition, but remands the case for further development and consideration.

The Board has directed that the Veteran undergo additional VA examinations and review of his claims file to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, burn scars, psychiatric disorders, and lung disorder. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right tibia and fibula fracture with scar and slight shortening of the leg was denied. His claim for service connection for residuals of head trauma (TBI) is pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for scarlet fever residuals and a heart condition, to include as secondary to scarlet fever residuals, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining missing VA treatment records.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal request by the appellant's authorized representative.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to consider his left shoulder disability and the eligibility of his daughter, T., as a 'helpless child'.

The Veteran's service-connected scars on the ears, face, and arms resulting from the removal of skin cancer do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to new evidence added to the record and the need for a VA Form 646 or equivalent written argument from the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's bilateral glaucoma is service-connected. Service connection for an eye disability other than glaucoma is denied.

The Veteran's appeal was not timely filed, and his claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen the previously denied claims.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his active military service. The issues of bilateral hearing loss and ear disorder other than hearing loss and tinnitus (claimed as otitis media) are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.