Scars decisions — 2018

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues, including increased ratings for low back disability, obstructive sleep apnea, ulcerative colitis and GERD, and appendectomy with residual scar. As a result, the Board has dismissed these matters.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, and malignant melanoma have been granted. The claim for a skin disorder other than malignant melanoma to include sarcoma is remanded. The claim for scars on the face, neck, ears, and cheeks is also remanded.,PTSD and persistent depressive disorder are now service-connected. Malignant melanoma remains in dispute due to lack of evidence linking it to herbicide exposure or service. A skin disorder other than malignant melanoma (to include sarcoma) and scars on the face, neck, ears, and cheeks also require further examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's left eye disabilities and his service. The Veteran is asked to provide any outstanding private treatment records from Dr. J.F.G. and complete a VA Form 13055 for another examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits due to a lack of development and consideration of all relevant evidence, including SSA records. The AOJ is instructed to obtain any outstanding SSA decisions and ensure that all pending RO development related to service connection and increased evaluations claims are appropriately considered.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of Type II diabetes mellitus due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The remaining issues were remanded.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine status post surgery is rated at 40 percent effective November 22, 2010. The Veteran also received ratings for his sinus headaches and residual lumbar scar.

The Board has remanded three issues related to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities, including a left knee disorder and surgical scars. The issues include rating adjustments for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for dizziness has been dismissed.,The Veteran is granted an initial rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for a left forearm scar. The issue of secondary service connection for GERD to PTSD remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle disability warrants a 100 percent rating from October 17, 2017. The case is remanded for further action on his claim of entitlement to a higher rating for his left ankle scar and for consideration of his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's seizure disability and major depressive disorder are granted. The Veteran is awarded a 70% rating for his major depressive disorder prior to July 15, 2015. He also receives TDIU benefits prior to that date.

The Veteran's left thigh scar is painful but not unstable, and a 10 percent initial rating is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and scars of the left forearm were denied as there was no evidence to support a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his painful surgical scar of the left wrist was denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection and separate rating for left wrist tenosynovitis was also denied. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his status-post carpal tunnel release with median nerve neuropathy, left (non-dominant) wrist/hand is remanded.

Service connection is granted for a left upper extremity nerve disability. The Veteran's initial increased ratings for his other service-connected disabilities are remanded.

The claim has been reopened, but service connection for a back disorder is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination. The Veteran's left knee disability remains in dispute with new examinations needed.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of the Veteran's claims for compensable evaluations for abdominal scar, right and left flank scars, and left thigh/inguinal region scar residuals.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not of such a nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.,The Veteran is also seeking an earlier effective date for TDIU and SMC, which are being remanded as well.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues and will address the ratings for basal cell carcinoma removal surgical scars of the anterior and posterior trunk, as well as determine whether separately rated scars of the upper left and right chest should be encompassed in a single rating or separately rated under separate criteria.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of a right eye corneal scar, lupus, low back disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.