Scars decisions — 2014

The Veteran was granted service connection for a right groin keloid scar and assigned a noncompensable rating from September 30, 2008, to January 2, 2013.,From January 3, 2013, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected right knee/thigh and scarring disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing before the RO. The issues include reopening claims for service connection and seeking ratings for various conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and surgical scars are not related to his service, including his National Guard service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, COPD, connective tissue disease with high fevers, and a skin disorder with scars, all of which were deemed not related to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for a scar on the dorsum of the right hand running parallel to the third metacarpal space and for degenerative joint disease and carpal tunnel syndrome (right hand). The appeal is not about service connection at all, so no rating or effective date was assigned.

The VA medical opinion determined that the service-connected right leg disabilities did not contribute substantially or materially to the Veteran's cause of death, which was due to complications from multiple strokes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability was previously denied in October 2006. New and material evidence has been received, allowing the claim to be reopened.,Service connection is granted for a cervical spine disability as it is attributable to active duty service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at the Munroe Regional Medical Center on February 17, 2011 are granted as they met the criteria for reimbursement due to an emergent condition and lack of feasible VA availability.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical services provided by the Jennie Stuart Medical Center and ED Physicians of Hopkinsville PLLC on September 13, 2010 is granted. The services were rendered in an emergency situation where delay would have been hazardous to life or health.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing right knee scar did not increase in severity during his active duty and was not otherwise related to his service. The Board also found no evidence of a current right knee disability or any link between the service-connected left biceps femoris tendinopathy (hamstring tendinopathy) and the Veteran's right knee condition.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral leg disabilities, but denied initial compensable ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are not properly adjudicated due to inadequate or incomplete medical opinions, and additional development is required.

The Board has restored the Veteran's original 30 percent rating for post-operative left arthroscopic ankle joint debridement with scars, effective July 1, 2010, after finding that the reduction was not in accordance with law due to a procedural error.

The Veteran's current left shoulder disorder is not related to his active military service or any disability incurred therein.,Left side pleurisy due to plural scarring associated with the service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis does not warrant a separate compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to service-connected disabilities is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disabilities are being remanded to allow for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his coronary artery disease and lower extremity conditions, warrant an award of automobile and adaptive equipment as well as specially adapted housing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's laceration scars to the left axilla and abdomen were incurred as a result of his own willful misconduct, not in the line of duty. Therefore, service connection is denied.