Scars decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination. The examiner will determine if his service-connected disabilities result in loss of use of one foot or both feet.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and scars, residual of hernia repair.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and rhinitis are considered to have contributed substantially and materially to his cause of death. The Board has determined that the criteria for a TDIU prior to October 21, 2009 are met.

The Veteran's painful scar, residuals of second degree burns, right forearm and hand, is rated at 10 percent since February 9, 2010. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder and PTSD) secondary to the scar is granted.

The Veteran's appeal was partially granted, with a 10 percent rating assigned for left foot Morton's neuroma from September 1, 2010. The other issues remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal for restoration of a 100 percent rating for ASCAD status post MI with hypertensive heart disease and scar with chronic renal insufficiency has been dismissed as the issue is moot due to the death of the Veteran prior to the promulgation of the August 2014 rating decision.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of appendectomy scars has been granted as of November 25, 2014. The service-connected conditions have not resulted in any other issues or theories of connection.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for the claimed conditions, but has remanded the issues of secondary service connection and rating assignment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the cancellation of his scheduled hearing. His claims for service connection are still pending and will be addressed after a new hearing date is set.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. His claims for increased ratings for shoulder disabilities remain in appellate status.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for scars due to burns on the right upper extremity and anterior truck was denied as his scars did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7802.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD, was also denied. The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric condition is related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for status post abdominoplasty due to cesarean sections with residual scars, left ankle and Achilles tendon condition, and bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis, to include hysterectomy.,Service connection is established for the Veteran's abdominal scars, left ankle and Achilles tendon condition, and bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis, including her hysterectomy. The Board found that these conditions are causally or etiologically related to service.,The decision also grants service connection for status post abdominoplasty due to cesarean sections with residual scars, left ankle and Achilles tendon condition, and bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis, to include hysterectomy.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 23, 1998 for the award of a TDIU rating was granted. The Board found that the Veteran was unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities prior to this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right forearm scar, which resulted from a lipoma excision during service, was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference hearing. The initial rating for his service-connected ventral hernia scar and surgical repair of mesenteric artery perforation remains under review.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU from October 1, 2012. The competent and credible evidence of record shows that his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for SMC benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to pending service connection claims. The AOJ should adjudicate these claims before final determination can be made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hernias.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled Board hearing. The issues are related to the effective dates of service connection awards for various conditions.