Scars decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 13, 2010 for a scar on his forehead. The Board found that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the March 1989 rating decision granting service connection for the scar with a noncompensable evaluation. Additionally, the Board determined that the Veteran did not file an informal or formal claim prior to June 2011 for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for left and right lower extremity compartment syndrome, service connection for a lumbar strain, testicular cancer (to include as due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune), right lower extremity scars, and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD. Additional VA treatment records must be obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected scars of the right cheek, left neck, and right knee are rated at a compensable level (20%) since May 12, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected scars is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

Service connection for a bilateral ankle disorder, lung disorder, and scars of the forearm and ankles is denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depression) is granted.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including Social Security Administration (SSA) records, private treatment records, employment records, and an examination of his service-connected disabilities. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Board denied the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, finding that the Veteran is able to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for residuals of right infraorbital and right temple shrapnel wounds, a right arm shrapnel wound, a right buttock shrapnel wound, and a right leg shrapnel wound have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hand disability other than left hand scars, to include arthritis; right knee disability, to include arthritis; back disability; and bilateral neurological disability of the lower extremities, to include sciatica are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and effective dates related to his service-connected coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and scars was denied. The Veteran's heart condition is currently rated at 60 percent disabling.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased rating, service connection, and reopening of a claim related to various conditions. The Board dismissed the appeals as a result.

The Veteran's left eye disability, which has been rated at 100% since May 1982, is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition and for up-to-date VA treatment records.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was rated at 20 percent prior to August 1, 2017 and denied a higher rating. The scars were also rated at 20 percent and denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a VA examination of his left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further action on his claims of service connection for a scar status post appendectomy and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a vision condition, secondary to his service-connected right-eye conjunctivitis. The case is remanded for further development including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for an examination to determine the nature and etiology of any vision conditions.

The Board has denied a compensable evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected right knee scar and remanded his claims for evaluations in excess of 10 percent for right knee limitation of flexion, left knee limitation of flexion, and right knee instability.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is not entitled to a compensable rating during the appeal period.,Prior to August 22, 2014, the Veteran's left knee arthroscopy scar was granted a 10 percent evaluation. From August 22, 2014 onwards, his scar is not entitled to any additional compensation.

The Veteran's right eye disability has increased in severity since the last VA examination, and he should be scheduled for a new examination to assess its current state.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is related to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease.