Scars decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected pilonidal cyst of the right buttock with scar results in occasional recurrent pain, swelling, and drainage. However, it does not affect an area of at least six square inches or result in frequent loss of coverage of the overlying skin.

The VA denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a respiratory/pulmonary/lung disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Board found no competent and credible evidence linking any of these conditions to his period of Navy Reserve ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA, including exposure to asbestos.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues, including a hearing for the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for scarlet fever and heart problems (claimed as atrial fibrillation and valve replacement) due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for epilepsy was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's child is seeking Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38 of the U.S. Code due to her father's disability or death. However, the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are still pending and may affect his status as a permanently disabled veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for residual lumbar spine surgical scars has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective September 29, 2005 due to his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records from Dr. P.K., scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left wrist scar and degenerative joint disease, and determining whether these conditions are related to active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear at a scheduled videoconference hearing. He will be given another opportunity to provide testimony regarding his claims.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine scoliosis, status post lumbar spine fusion, with degenerative disc disease and arthritis, is currently rated at 20 percent. The RO denied an increased rating for this condition as the evidence did not show symptoms warranting a higher evaluation under the amended criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of the low back or Parsonage Turner syndrome that is related to her service. The claim for full gestation problems including miscarriages was also denied as there is no evidence linking these issues to her service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations. The TDIU claim will also be remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and reopening of a dental disorder claim are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, development of records, and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for a left ring finger scar was granted. The other claims of service connection were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 13, 2009 for the grant of service connection for residuals of a shell fragment wound (SFW) to muscle group XI was granted.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 13, 2009 for the assignment of a 10 percent disability evaluation for residual scarring of a SFW to the left lower extremity was also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment, as her conditions do not result in loss of use of one or both feet.,The Veteran does not qualify for a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to her inability to lift more than 15 pounds and engage in repetitive lifting.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected low back disability. A social and industrial survey will also be conducted to determine if he can secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residual scar of the left foot from a shell fragment wound and cicatrix of the right second toe were denied as there is no evidence showing that these conditions meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.