Scars decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder impingement with acromioclavicular degenerative joint disease, low back strain, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, and scars post-bilateral inguinal repair surgery are all adequately contemplated by the schedular rating criteria.,As such, referral for extraschedular consideration is not warranted.

For the period from February 9, 2007 to September 21, 2009, a rating of 30 percent for right knee post-operative residuals is granted.,For the period starting November 1, 2010, a separate 10 percent rating for right knee post-operative total arthroplasty with a surgical scar is granted.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected scarring of the right ankle, finding that his scars are painful and affect his ability to wear certain types of shoes. The current effective date is not specified.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, left gluteus SFW, and scar formation in the left gluteus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service connection was not granted as there is no credible evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right shoulder disability and additional medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, while totaling over 60% combined, do not meet the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) and for being so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for erectile dysfunction and scar of the lumbar spine, status post surgery have been denied. The remaining claims have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA and private treatment records, notifying her of her right to submit lay statements from individuals who have first-hand knowledge of her skin condition, and providing a VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of her hidradenitis right axilla.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding an increased rating for service-connected bilateral hammertoe disability and other claims. The Veteran is seeking a higher initial evaluation, as well as service connection for additional conditions.

The Veteran's claim of a rating in excess of 10 percent for right thigh muscle injury is denied due to failure to report for necessary VA examination. The Veteran's SMC claim is also denied as he does not meet the legal criteria for payment at the housebound rate or based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly her multiple sclerosis, rendered her unable to obtain or follow substantially gainful employment from January 15, 2008 to November 8, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertensive heart disease is rated at 60 percent disabling, effective March 14, 2011. The rating for diabetes mellitus type 2 remains at 20 percent. The right eye corneal scar continues to be rated at 30 percent. Service connection was granted for erectile dysfunction and skin disability, but not for prostate disability or obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA clinical records from his treatment providers. The issues of entitlement to compensable ratings for his hernia and scar conditions are on hold until these records can be obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a new examination and any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess the severity of her service-connected left foot plantar fasciitis and any scarring. The neurological manifestations are also under consideration.

The Veteran's scars, left eyebrow and left upper lip, are not associated with any characteristics of disfigurement or significant functional impairment. Therefore, a rating in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of his claims as he is no longer alive.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the case is being remanded for further development to determine his employability.