Scars decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable disability rating for his right ankle and thigh scars, or for a superficial scar on the left lower leg.

The Veteran seeks an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left knee disability. The Board has requested a new VA examination to determine the current severity of this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's scar on the right hand does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as it is not deep and does not involve an area of at least 12 square inches (77 sq. cm.) and does not cause disabling effects not considered in the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's inguinal hernia and scar residuals do not warrant compensable ratings, and his non-compensable service-connected disabilities do not interfere with his employability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination to address the functionality of his left testicle and clarify the number of painful scars he has.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU based on the combined effects of all service-connected disabilities from March 7, 2011 until May 16, 2012. The appellant is eligible for payment of attorney fees related to this award.

The Board has determined that a compensable initial disability rating of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected left leg shrapnel residual scar is warranted, effective May 29, 2009.

The Veteran's post-concussion syndrome (claimed as head injury) is currently rated at 0 percent, and the VA has not determined whether a higher rating is warranted for this condition.,The Veteran's status post fracture of ribs 6, 7, and 8 is currently rated at noncompensable. The VA has not determined whether a compensable rating is warranted for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to various disabilities, including hearing loss, elbow and knee conditions, spine disorders, foot problems, and a scar. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional examination and development of his medical records. The Board will review the case again after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's liposarcoma of the spermatic cord, status post radical left orchiectomy, is granted service connection. The residuals including hypogonadism with anemia and osteoporosis; left inguinal keloid scar; hypesthesia are also granted as secondary to the primary condition. Entitlement to special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ (erectile dysfunction) is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for his right humerus fracture and residual scar, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings based on current manifestations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to September 24, 2008 did not prevent him from seeking, gaining, or maintaining meaningful employment.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, and the Board has determined that these claims are inextricably intertwined with other issues. The case is therefore REMANDED to schedule a videoconference hearing before the undersigned VLJ.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA outpatient treatment records and to schedule the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess the current level of severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus was incurred in service and continues to this day.,There is no evidence of a scar of the left side of the lung being incurred in service.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability has been rated at 10 percent since September 16, 2011. The current rating is for noncompensable limitation of motion (flexion and extension) with painful motion.

The Veteran's service-connected residual scars from laceration of the left hand and contusion of the right hand are granted. The claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a residual scar from excision of subcutaneous nodule of the right foot is denied. The claims for service connection for residuals of head injury, low back disability, and TDIU are not addressed as they were remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has a scar resulting from a shrapnel wound incurred during service.