Scars decisions — 2018

The Veteran's right foot disabilities of plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia are granted service connection. The Veteran's increased disability rating for the nasoseptal deformity due to residuals of a shell fragment wound is denied as it has already been assigned the maximum 10 percent schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 6502. Other issues on appeal, including those related to facial scarring and PTSD, are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed due to his request to withdraw from appeal, and the RO confirmed previous decisions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional VA treatment records that may contain relevant information about the Veteran's right shoulder conditions and scars.

The Veteran's service-connected left index finger, left long finger, and left hand scars disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation as the last VA examination is unduly remote.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and denied entitlement to a TDIU prior to September 18, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD), and right biceps strain with scar are granted. Service connection for a low back disorder and residuals of TBI are remanded.

The Veteran's facial scars are not currently service-connected, and a new examination is needed to determine if they are related to his in-service motorcycle accident.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection has been granted. The decision also includes a finding of TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for a right eye disability, finding that the evidence does not support a causal relationship between the Veteran's current right eye disabilities and his military service or any related conditions.

The Veteran's right eye blindness was not incurred in the line of duty and is denied.,The Veteran's right-hand scar preexisted service and is not aggravated by service, thus denial.,The acquired psychiatric disorders are not related to service and are denied.,Bilateral knee osteoarthritis did not manifest during or within one year after service and is denied.,Bilateral hand osteoarthritis was not shown to be chronic during service and is denied.,Low back disability is not shown to exist currently and is denied.,Neuropathy is not shown to exist currently and is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to failure to report to scheduled VA examinations and because of lack of entitlement under the law. The claims will be reconsidered after new evidence is obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for his anterior neck scar, left arm scar, and left lower extremity scar. The scars were found not to meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in its entirety.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure and follow gainful employment, thus his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and remand are related to his service-connected acne scars of the upper back, upper chest, face, and left inguinal area. The VA has been requested to obtain updated treatment records and schedule a new examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating increases have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of all pending claims.

The Board has restored a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's head scar, finding that there was no material improvement in his condition and that the reduction was improper.,The Veteran's migraines are rated at 30%, with very frequent but not completely prostrating attacks. The Board found this to be insufficient for a higher rating.,A new VA examination is required for the left knee condition due to inadequate previous examinations, as per Correia v. McDonald (2016).,The Veteran's PTSD and TBI are rated at 50%, with very frequent but not completely prostrating attacks. The Board found this to be insufficient for a higher rating.

The Veteran's cause of death was glioblastoma multiforme, due to bacterial pneumonia and acute respiratory failure. None of his service-connected conditions are considered the immediate or underlying cause of his death. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding substitution in claims and assessment of TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back and left knee disorders, right ear hearing loss, heart disability, hypertension, and scars have been denied. The Veteran was granted TDIU.,Service connection for depressive disorder has been established with an effective date prior to April 29, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and occupational experience.