Scars decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected disabilities of status-post left ACL reconstruction with DJD, chorioretinal scar of the left eye, and bilateral onychomycosis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable Diagnostic Codes.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the initial compensable rating for a surgical neck scar and the initial ratings for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck originating in the respiratory system with residual loss of taste and dry mouth.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is in remission and rated at 10 percent for its residuals, including erectile dysfunction. Service connection was denied for the other cancers listed.

The Veteran's subcutaneous cysts of the forehead and right nasal bridge are currently rated as noncompensably disabling. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For the period prior to November 13, 2012, the Veteran's scar residual of removal of left chest cyst and tender scar to the right nasal bridge was rated as noncompensably disabling. For the period beginning on November 13, 2012, a rating of 10 percent is assigned.

The Veteran's left ring finger ulcer scar with left palm scar is not rated higher than the current 20 percent, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on multiple scars being unstable or painful. The post-operative umbilical hernia issue remains at a non-compensable level due to lack of active hernia and no need for supportive belt.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and therefore denies his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the increased ratings for PTSD, painful scar, mid scalp, scars of the mid scalp and right forehead, traumatic brain injury, and hearing loss.

The Veteran's residuals from a 2008 VA colonoscopy are considered due to an unforeseeable event, resulting in the grant of compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disorder and found that the Veteran met the schedular criteria for a TDIU from December 16, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and VA examination reports.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and attempting to corroborate his in-service stressors. He also needs a VA examination for his eye disability and psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his right ankle disability and left inguinal hernia, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for either condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a supplemental opinion from the February 2015 VA examiner and ensuring that all requested development is completed. The claims will be readjudicated after this.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to new evidence submitted by him and a need for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other disabilities, precludes him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for breast cancer, left upper quadrant breast scar and left axilla scar, and right excisional scar as there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disease of the cervical spine, PTSD, degenerative disease of the lumbar spine, diabetes mellitus type II, left upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and residual scars, rendered him unable to care for himself. The Board found that he required regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right ankle disability was rated at 10% prior to May 1, 2013 and at 20% since. The left thigh meralgia paresthetica was rated at 10%. These ratings are maintained.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected scars on his forehead and scalp warranted a 10 percent rating, effective September 21, 2005.