Scars decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including scars and injuries from shell fragment wounds. The Board has ordered a remand for the VA to obtain all relevant treatment records and clinical notes.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not service-connected.,Left ear hearing loss has been rated as Level VI, the highest non-compensable rating available.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction (vasectomy), Hepatitis C and a liver disorder, thigh scarring as secondary to Hepatitis C, scars from injections associated with Hepatitis C, headaches including migraines, and a cognitive disorder to include Alzheimer's disease. The appeals are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for a new examination and consideration of his employment history.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for a left cheek scar and atopic eczema was denied. The Board found that the scars did not meet criteria for compensable ratings under applicable diagnostic codes, and the eczema did not meet criteria for a compensable rating as well.

The Board denied service connection for an intestinal condition and scars associated with the intestinal condition, finding no evidence of a link between these conditions and the Veteran's active duty service.

Your appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to proceed with your claims.

The Veteran's acne with scarring is rated at 30 percent, effective October 25, 2018.,Service connection for residuals of acne was granted on September 27, 2013, and the effective date remains September 27, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for anterior abdominal scar, a temporary total evaluation due to treatment of service-connected disability requiring convalescence, and a TDIU. The new evidence includes VA examination reports and extensive VA treatment records from August 2010 to October 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic sinusitis, migraine headaches, allergic rhinitis, and mild traumatic brain injury residuals, render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the matters for additional development, including an examination to identify specific nerve involvement with chronic pelvic pain and assess any functional impairment associated with stress incontinence and inability to sit for more than 30 minutes. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back degenerative disc disease, deep vein thrombosis of the legs, type 2 diabetes mellitus, brain tumor with scar, and skin disability. The claims are being remanded due to procedural errors and the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and left knee disorders, as well as initial compensable ratings for migraine headaches and a right wrist disorder. The Board found no evidence of aggravation of pre-existing conditions during service.,For migraines, the Board noted that there were no documented prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's esophageal cancer, which contributed to his death. The examiner is required to provide opinions on whether each service-connected disability contributed substantially or materially to death and if it aided in the production of death.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all remaining claims following the award of a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has denied service connection for gastritis and insomnia, but has remanded the issues of service connection for left hand/wrist disability, right hand/wrist disability, scar on the left side of the head, and memory loss as secondary to peripheral vestibular disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and increased disability ratings for his service-connected residuals of fracture of the left wrist, trigger finger, sarcoidosis, and scar on the left first metacarpal (thumb). The appeals were based on direct service connection without any presumption or secondary basis.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for surgical scarring of the breasts due to fibrocystic disease from December 15, 2010, through November 6, 2017, is granted. The request for a higher rating on and after November 7, 2017, is denied. New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for left thumb tendonitis and left wrist tendonitis, with the requests to reopen being granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his left knee disability and determine if there are any flare-ups or functional impairments. The claims will be re-adjudicated after this development.