Scars decisions — 2015

The Veteran's right shoulder surgery residuals were rated at 20 percent from April 13, 2011. His right shoulder scar was also rated at 20 percent effective as of April 13, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities have been rated as noncompensable, but his left knee disability has been rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations.,His service-connected right hand disability and resulting scar are currently rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for clarification of his disagreement and obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The service-connected conditions are rated as direct, without any presumption or secondary basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a current VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD. The issue remains about entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected left forearm scar is not compensable.,There is no evidence of a chronic left shoulder strain/arthropathy that was incurred in service.,Inguinal hernias were not shown in service or for many years following discharge from service, and are not otherwise related to service.,The Veteran does not have a diagnosis of infectious hepatitis A.

The Veteran's appeal concerning the issue of a rating in excess of 60 percent for his left knee disability from February 28, 2011 is dismissed due to lack of case or controversy. The effective date issue related to the assignment of a 60 percent rating for his left knee disability remains pending and will be addressed in a SOC.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable rating are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations.

The Veteran does not have any additional disabilities as a result of the March 2006 VA medical treatment, and there is no evidence that such treatment was caused by carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill on the part of VA.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of his National Guard service dates.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is rated at a 10 percent rating, effective August 23, 2010. The left thigh scars are not currently on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as evidenced by his significant limitations due to his service-connected lower extremity disabilities.

The Veteran's current lung disorder, including chronic lung scarring and bronchiectasis, is found to be related to his asbestos exposure during service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board finds that the reduction of the Veteran's disability ratings for degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine and tender scarring, abdomen from inguinal hernia repair was proper as there was improvement in both conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and SSA disability records.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected coronary atherosclerosis status post coronary artery bypass graft and post-operative sternal scar have been granted, with the latter being at a noncompensable level.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability contributed to his death from metastatic colon and liver cancer. The appellant is also granted SMC at the housebound rate based on the need for aid and attendance due to her husband's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a C-section scar and lumbar spine disability. The claim for acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depression, is substantiated but the issue of bilateral lower extremity disability (peripheral neuropathy) remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's surgical scarring, left below-the-knee amputation stump, warrants a 10 percent rating for the entire appeal period.

The reductions of the disability ratings for the service-connected left knee unicompartmental arthroplasty with osteoarthritis and residual scar, the service-connected left knee limitation of extension, and the service-connected left lower extremity radiculopathy are void ab initio. The 20 percent rating for the service-connected left knee unicompartmental arthroplasty with osteoarthritis and residual scar, the 10 percent rating for the service-connected left knee limitation of extension, and the 10 percent rating for the service-connected left lower extremity radiculopathy are restored as though the reductions had not occurred.