Scars decisions — 2015

The Board denied the appellant's claims for nonservice-connected pension benefits and did not address service connection issues. The decision is final.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right eye enucleation and facial scars, prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's GERD is found to be aggravated by the use of NSAID medications for his service-connected disabilities. The Board grants secondary service connection for GERD.

The Veteran's service-connected fragment wound scars of the scalp, upper back, and right elbow have been found to be noncompensably disabling throughout the period on appeal. A separate, though noncompensable, rating is warranted for the Veteran's right elbow scar.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected status post right popliteal artery release, sensory neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and a right lower calf scar. The appeals were based on residuals of the service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU, finding that his service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or a TDIU based on their combined effects.

The Board has reinstated the appellant's VA benefits, effective April 1, 2012. The character of his discharge is not a bar to receiving VA benefits and the severance of service connection for the listed conditions was not proper.

The Veteran's right little finger disability is rated at 10 percent, and his left hand scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has remanded the four issues for additional development due to a lack of examination. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule him for a videoconference hearing due to his failure to appear at the scheduled date. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or on account of being housebound is remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA Social and Industrial Survey to determine the combined effect of her service-connected disabilities on her ability to perform sedentary type of work.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disability to include hypertension was denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted, thus denying the reopening of his claim. His right ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent due to marked limitation of motion.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his military service, with the Board granting service connection for these conditions.,For the right knee disability and burn scar of the right hand, further development is needed as their etiology may not have been properly documented in the service treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 10% disability rating for scars of the forehead and chin was denied. The claims for increased ratings for various disabilities, including PTSD with depression, were also denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent for arthritis with painful limited motion, and his second degree burn scars are rated at 10 percent for loss of sensation. The claims for left knee and low back disabilities have not been resolved in the Veteran's favor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal requires additional development due to the need for clarification of her dysmenorrhea claim and further examination regarding her migraines, right ovarian cyst, acne on face, chest, and back, and left breast scar.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the severity of his right knee disability and any neck disorder, as well as to clarify whether he is receiving benefits from a source other than VA.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his service-connected allergic rhinitis, hypertension, and left stomach scar.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected right forearm scar since April 26, 2011.,The Board has also granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected right knee DJD with limited extension since October 16, 2012.