Scars decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal regarding his right knee disability and scar has been remanded for further evaluation. The VA will obtain updated treatment records, conduct a new examination to assess the severity of his disabilities, and provide an appropriate rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and gunshot wounds, render him unable to find and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the appropriate ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities.,The Veteran has been granted increased ratings for some of his service-connected conditions, but remains entitled to higher ratings for others.

The Board granted a 50% rating for the Veteran's fungal infection of the groin and feet, effective throughout the appeal period. A separate 10% rating was also granted for a superficial scar associated with the fungal infection.

The Veteran's increased rating for neuritis of the left hand is granted, while a higher rating for scar residuals of second degree burns of the left dorsal forearm and hand remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating and increased ratings for his right knee disability is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess current functional limitations during flare-ups, as well as vocational rehabilitation records.

The Veteran's left ankle sprain has been granted a 20% disability rating, effective from April 1, 2016. The post-operative scar is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded as the AOJ has not provided a supplemental statement of the case addressing new evidence and further development is needed. Additionally, the VA treatment records need to be obtained, and a new examination by an appropriate clinician is required.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions due to incomplete examinations and lack of entrance examination prior to the Veteran's second period of active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the skin disability claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the presence and etiology of lipomas and related scars.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as they do not prevent him from securing and following any substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's kidney condition or residuals, including considering his in-service kidney issues and surgery.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for ankylosis and bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn.,Service connection for periodontal disease (for compensation purposes) is denied as it cannot be considered a compensable disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental disability was denied as there is no evidence that the inservice trauma caused loss of substance of the body of either the maxilla or mandible, or resulted in loss of teeth.,A 10 percent rating for scar associated with varicose veins of the right lower extremity has been granted and will be effective from September 17, 2013. The Veteran's claim was considered as a request for an increased rating for his service-connected varicose veins of the right lower extremity.,The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 10 percent rating for his service-connected varicose veins of the right lower extremity, but this has been denied due to lack of correspondence or records prior to September 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical spine disability, bilateral ankle and foot disabilities, have rendered her unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board grants TDIU effective March 17, 2013, and dismisses the remaining claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines and other conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to Total Disability Rating for Compensation Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's request for an increased rating for his post-operative left knee strain with scars condition is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including residuals of a left elbow fracture, back disability, residuals of a left femur fracture, residuals of a left knee fracture, residuals of a fractured left tibia and fibula, left leg condition, residuals of a fractured pelvis, and scars, are all etiologically caused by an accident on the way to weekend training for his duties as part of the South Carolina Army National Guard in December 1970. As such, service connection is granted for these conditions.

The appeal for service connection of a low back condition is dismissed. Service connection and grants for skin cancer and scars secondary to skin cancer are granted.

The Board dismissed all claims related to service connection and disability ratings, including those for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II (DM), depression, residual scar, right forehead, painful scar, right forehead, and TBI. The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% rating.