Scars decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation and a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected scars, secondary to left breast lumpectomy is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his incontinence from prostate cancer, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that entitlement to a TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's residual linear scars of the right knee are manifested by three scars that do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations. The scars are less than 144 square inches in area, are not painful or unstable, and do not cause limitation of function.

The case is being remanded for further development and adjudication of the intertwined claims, including the claim for vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits. The Veteran's previously denied claim to reopen a service connection issue, as well as other service connection and increased rating claims are also on appeal.

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

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other disabilities, has rendered her unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment. The abdominal scars have been rated as 10 percent disabling for pain.

The Veteran's post-operative scarring of the left and right shoulders is tender, warranting a 10 percent rating since December 26, 2012.

The Veteran's low back disability was documented during service and has been recurrent since, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete findings from a previous examination and for potential applicability of Diagnostic Code 7806.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him bedridden, confined to his immediate premises, or unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. Therefore, he is not eligible for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has granted service connection for vertigo as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a service connection for residuals of a jaw injury.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating and effective date prior to September 25, 2013 for service connection for painful scars on his left forearm, bilateral lower extremities, and sternum is granted. The earliest date entitlement arose was October 16, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound, as he is able to perform most daily activities with assistance when needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis was granted. He received initial schedular ratings of 30 percent for his right eye aphakia and left eye nuclear sclerotic cataract, which were increased to 50 percent effective January 6, 2009. The Veteran also received a compensable rating (20%) for his residual right knee scar. Additionally, he was granted TDIU prior to December 17, 2008.

The Board has directed the VA to schedule a scar evaluation for the Veteran's left buttocks. The case is being remanded due to failure to comply with previous directives.

The Veteran's neurological condition of the upper extremities is found to be secondary to his service-connected chronic multiple lipomatosis with scars, status post lipoma removal. The claim for an initial disability evaluation for chronic multiple lipomatosis with scars, status post lipoma removal remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities have been rated as post-traumatic arthritis with medial meniscus and ACL repairs, but the RO has denied increased ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to obtain and secure substantial gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for residuals of testicular cancer, to include testicle removal, is denied as only one testis is affected.,Service connection for loss of teeth due to a service-connected seizure disorder is denied because there is no evidence of a current disability.