Scars decisions — 2015

The Veteran seeks TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the claimed conditions and concluded that any preexisting conditions did not worsen during service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for his left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation of his current condition.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues, including service connection for various conditions and a TDIU. The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain SSA records, service personnel records, and VA examinations for the ear disability, head trauma, and human bite claims. Additionally, a VA examination is required to address the left shoulder disorder and cervical spine disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for independent living services under Chapter 31 of Title 38, U.S.C., due to his current service-connected conditions and lack of feasibility in achieving a vocational goal.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions, including PTSD, chronic fatigue syndrome, and undiagnosed illnesses. The case is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of the claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions and records, including VA treatment records from 1999 to 2008.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection for arthritis, and right knee disability were denied. The claim of service connection for a right knee disability was reopened but still denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected scar, left ring finger measures 2cm x 1cm and has not been shown to be tender or painful on examination. The VA examiner found no limitation of motion or function associated with the scar. As a result, he is not entitled to a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his back and left ankle conditions, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that a TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination, including records from SSA and VA vocational rehabilitation benefits. The case will be readjudicated based on all available evidence.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the evaluations of DDD of the lumbar spine and facial scar, prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating and increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for his left inguinal hernia scar prior to August 2, 2008, and from that date onward was denied. The scars were found not deep or limited motion, but painful only after August 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between his service-connected hypertension and syncope episodes, which may impact his ability to work.

The Veteran's right foot hallux valgus, post bunionectomy with a residual scar is rated at 10 percent under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim of eligibility for an annual clothing allowance is denied as he does not use any prosthetic, orthopedic appliance, or medication for a service-connected disability that wears out or tears his clothing.

The case is being remanded for further development, including determining the duties performed during the Veteran's ADSW service and obtaining VA treatment records. Additionally, a VA examination will be scheduled to assess the relationship between the Veteran's disabilities and his active service.