Scars decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total social and occupational impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating from January 30, 2008 to July 18, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left eye corneal scar and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are related to service, granting these claims.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claims for compensable ratings for his right and left ankle disabilities, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling him for a VA examination to evaluate the severity of these conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence showing a lung or pulmonary disorder of any kind to be etiologically related to service, including in-service exposure to asbestos. The Veteran's current lung disability is more likely due to his long-standing history of smoking.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an addendum opinion regarding his service connection claim and a clarification of whether he has any neuropathic pain related to his inservice surgery.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from November 1, 2005 forward. The Board granted TDIU effective November 1, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the Board finds that there is no evidence to support a compensable rating for his left index finger scar and insufficient evidence to warrant an increased rating for his median nerve disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing due to her request. The issues of service connection and initial ratings remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of left thumb laceration and scar were denied as there was no evidence showing the conditions arose during or were otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for a right calf stab wound with muscle group XI residual scar was denied. The Board granted the Veteran's TDIU claim based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and a right thumb disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his back and lower extremity conditions, cause him to be in need of regular aid and attendance. As such, the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has determined that there is at least a reasonable doubt as to whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed substantially or materially in causing his death due to metastatic prostate cancer. The claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is therefore granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is currently assigned a noncompensable rating for his left leg varicose vein prior to December 8, 2016 and a 10 percent rating thereafter. The Veteran is entitled to a 10 percent rating but no greater for the scar due to excision of melanoma on his back.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially and materially to his cause of death, leading to dementia. The Board finds that the evidence supports the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board denied service connection for right knee, left ankle, and right ankle disorders. The Veteran's hypertension was granted with a 10% rating.,Residual facial scars were also granted.

The Board is remanding the case for scheduling a Travel Board hearing due to the Veteran's request.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 40 percent rating, and her radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities were rated as 10 percent disabling since February 23, 2015. The painful abdominal scar received a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are sufficient to bring his combined disability rating to 90 percent, with at least one disability rated 40 percent or higher; taken together, these service-connected disabilities preclude the Veteran from maintaining gainful employment.