Scars decisions — 2014

The Veteran's post-operative right inguinal hernia with scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation criteria.

The Veteran's right knee post traumatic postoperative degenerative joint disease and residual surgical scars are currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board finds that an increased rating is not warranted prior to April 17, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for dental disorder was dismissed. The Board granted the reopening of his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. ¶ 1151 for facial scarring resulting from surgery at a VA facility in April 1976.

The Veteran's service-connected right index finger disabilities have been rated based on the criteria for limitation of motion and scars. The current ratings do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), tinnitus, right olecranon bursitis, right upper arm scar, and bilateral hearing loss, are insufficient to warrant a TDIU rating. The case is being remanded for additional development of records and an examination.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development and adjudication of the claim for a TDIU rating, including consideration of VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's employability due to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, treatment records review, and consideration of his claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are being reviewed to determine if they caused or contributed to his cause of death, which was terminal lymphoma. The Board has ordered a VA opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's cause of death.

The Veteran's PTSD and cognitive disorder, migraine headaches, shrapnel wounds to the right deltoid area and thigh, and left dorsal forearm scar have been granted service connection. The RO has assigned initial ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from substantially gainful employment.

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, back disorder, and residuals of lacerations to the left index and ring fingers. The scar above the Veteran's left eye was noted during his military enlistment but did not permanently worsen during or as a result of his service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied.,Service connection for residuals of a shell fragment wound of the left thigh, Muscle Group XV, with degenerative joint disease of the knee status post total knee replacement was granted and assigned a 60 percent rating effective as of May 28, 2010.

The Veteran's scar of the right elbow is rated as 10 percent disabling prior to March 29, 2011 and in excess of 10 percent after that date.,The Veteran's residuals of a right arm disorder do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and physical conditions, render him unemployable in light of his educational and occupational history. The Board finds the evidence at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to all service-connected disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for a TDIU as they were rated at 80% and did not last continuously for 10 years immediately preceding his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death from pneumonia and heart disease. The claim for DIC benefits is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and left shoulder degenerative joint disease, but denied service connection for the claimed left pinkie finger disability due to lack of a nexus between the current condition and active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining outstanding treatment records. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his knee and foot conditions, as well as claims for asthma, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and blurred vision. The Board has requested a hearing on these matters.

The Veteran's service-connected hidradenitis suppurativa, hypertension, and donor site scars of the thighs are shown to be productive of an overall disability picture manifested by the Veteran being precluded from working at substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and occupational background. Therefore, a TDIU rating is granted.