Scars decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected eye disability has been evaluated at a 10 percent rating, but the evidence does not support an increase in this evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's preexisting keloids were aggravated by active service. The Veteran will be afforded a VA examination and any outstanding medical records should be obtained.

The Veteran's status post left tibia/fibula fracture with scar is currently manifested by slight knee and ankle disabilities, normal ranges of motion in the left ankle, and slight recurrent lateral instability of the left knee. The current disability level does not warrant a higher rating under any applicable DC.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected residual scar, status post left anterior tibia shell fragment wound.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a travel board hearing. The claims of increased rating, service connection for right thigh scar, mild allergic rhinitis, and PTSD are still pending.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the Veteran's increased ratings for his scar disabilities, finding that no increase in severity was factually ascertainable between March 4, 2007 and May 18, 2007. The Board also found no informal claim prior to May 18, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has granted service connection for thyroid cancer on a presumptive basis due to exposure to ionizing radiation during active duty. Service connection is also granted for hypothyroidism as it is proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected thyroid cancer.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected left inguinal hernia, keloid scar, and scars are being remanded due to the need for additional development including medical records review, a new examination, and consideration of the claim in light of any relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance was denied as there is no documented provision of a manual wheelchair or other qualifying prosthetic or orthopedic appliance that tends to wear or tear his clothing, and the medications prescribed do not cause irreparable damage to his outergarments.

The Veteran's service-connected injuries to the right and left thighs have been rated as moderate muscle disabilities, warranting a 10 percent rating for each injury. The scars are not considered disabling enough to warrant higher ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for oral cancer, which he claims was caused by exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) during his military service. The Board has determined that a VA examination and opinion are needed to address the nature and etiology of any such disability.

The Veteran's burn scars are rated at 10 percent, and his migraine headaches have been increased to 30 percent. The Board denied service connection for the remaining conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hand disorder, including scarring, gout, and DJD, did not manifest during service or within one year after separation from service. The current right hand disorder is not etiologically related to his active military service or a service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right foot first digit disability, an initial compensable rating for hypertension, and an initial compensable rating for a scar on the anterior chest. The evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The Veteran's lung disorders, including COPD and asbestosis, are being remanded for additional development to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted effective January 6, 2011. The criteria for TDIU were met as the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to work at his previous job due to health issues.