Scars decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected gunshot wound, left shoulder disability, and PTSD with dysthymia and mild anxiety.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle fracture with right split tear of the peroneus brevis, status post ankle surgery with residual scar is currently rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a right fifth metacarpal fracture are currently rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's lung condition, including his right lower lobe postoperative scar and histoplasmosis, is being remanded for additional development. The VA will obtain any available treatment records since January 2011 and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to assess the severity of his lung condition.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed as he requested to withdraw his claim for a compensable evaluation for residuals of a right pinky finger fracture. The Board also found that the requirements for compensation benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 were not met, and denied the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his PTSD and right knee disability, did not cause or contribute substantially to his death from pneumonia. Other conditions such as COPD, diabetes mellitus, smoking-related issues, and pre-existing pneumonia were also contributing factors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis and neuroma-related symptoms, are as likely as not related to her service-connected left foot disability. The gastrointestinal disorders (rectocele and cystocele) are also found to be related to her active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a neurological examination. The TDIU claim will also be readjudicated.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and schedule him for a VA examination. The claim will be re-adjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's respiratory disability (asthma), skin disabilities, and forehead burn scars were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board finds that the Veteran was sound upon entry into active service with respect to his asthma.

The Veteran's superficial scars of the left eye have not resulted in vision impairment worse than 20/40, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that no evidence of record within the one year prior to May 19, 2004, showed that his scar of the right index finger warranted a rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a cervical spine disability and mild incomplete paralysis of the left radial nerve, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling due to painful, limited motion. The evidence does not support a higher rating based on the current functional impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) due to herbicide exposure. The secondary service connection issues will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right eye disorder, diagnosed as corneal scarring and a dislocated lens, had its onset during active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative joint disease is not related to his active duty service, but his low back scar is a residual of his in-service pilonidal sinus (cyst) removal. The claim for residuals of pilonidal sinus (cyst) removal is granted.

The Veteran's residual left flank scar is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating based on current medical findings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment.