Scars decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for basal cell skin cancer, right thumb injury, and scar of the right leg. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to active military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, left shoulder strain, and residuals of a fracture to the right little toe were granted. Service connection was also established for dry eye syndrome and bilateral eye disability (glaucoma). The Veteran's left ankle disability and associated scars are rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including increased ratings for his great toe and hip conditions. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran is found as likely as not in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities, which include DDD of the lumbar spine, depression, status-post right elbow lateral epicondylectomy with radial tunnel release residual with arthralgia, radiculopathy of right lower extremity, radiculopathy of left lower extremity, and scar residuals. The Board grants special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids and residuals of trauma to scalp and forehead do not warrant an increased evaluation, as their current manifestations are not severe enough to meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion. The issue remains on appeal as it pertains to a direct relationship between his service-connected scarred tympanic membrane and his current bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals were rated at 60 percent prior to August 23, 2007. The RO granted a TDIU rating effective from that date.,The Veteran was found eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code, as of August 23, 2007.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for schizophrenia, epididymitis, a muscle injury of the right thigh, and a right calf disability. The Veteran's claim for headaches was granted with an initial 30 percent evaluation effective March 7, 1982. The Veteran's claim for multiple non-compensable service-connected disabilities was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to determine the severity of his service-connected left eye diplopia and residual scar. The right eye issue must also be addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected residual scar from cesarean section, status post adhesions, is rated at 10 percent disabling prior to August 7, 2009 and at 0 percent thereafter. The Veteran's service-connected keratoconus of the eyes with retinal break/retinal traction of the left eye is currently rated at 30 percent under DC 6035 for the entire initial rating period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for cystic acne and facial scarring has been granted, with a current effective date of October 7, 2009. The Veteran is currently rated at 60 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for COPD, fungus of the left hand, and onychomycosis with tinea pedis of the feet and right hand were denied. The Board found no evidence to support these claims.,There is no current diagnosis or evidence of a service-connected condition in any of the issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development and examination, including for an evaluation of erectile dysfunction and scars. The issues on appeal include entitlement to a compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction, service connection for scars of the right wrist and thumb, and service connection for a scar of the left forearm.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for a forehead scar and dementia, both related to an in-service head injury. The left knee strain is also found to be secondary to the service-connected right knee strain.,All questions of law or fact have been resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his renal cell carcinoma and dysthymia, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since August 1, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for colon cancer, rectal/colon polyps, residual scarring associated with colon cancer resection, and tremors are denied as there is no evidence of a direct link between these conditions and his active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with a 30% rating effective November 7, 2008. The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were also granted. However, the claim for a meniscal tear of the left knee was denied, as was the request for an earlier effective date for PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to substantiate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining his service personnel records and arranging for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his prostate cancer and urinary incontinence, prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU on a schedular basis.