Scars decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for his right knee surgical scar and an evaluation greater than 10 percent for chronic synovitis of the right knee are remanded. The propriety of reducing his rating from 10% to zero percent effective February 1, 2016 is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for a more current examination and clarification of his hearing request.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals. The Board has also remanded cases related to hereditary exostosis and secondary service connection.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective September 26, 2003 due to his service-connected lumbar spine and psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including medical records from VA and private providers.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of laceration of the dorsum right thumb was denied. The Board also remanded issues regarding service connection for a bilateral eye disability and TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support such determinations.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on his service-connected right hand disabilities and rash of the scrotum are remanded due to incomplete medical records, lack of recent examinations, and need for additional testing.

The Veteran's service-connected right ring finger scar, which is not painful or unstable, does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, as well as bilateral hand scars. The evidence now shows current diagnoses of these conditions and a credible in-service injury that could be related to these disorders.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a skin condition (claimed as scarring of the arms) is dismissed. The Board received notification from the Veteran to withdraw his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear was reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for circumcision scar was denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for his right elbow scar.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, specifically depression, is not related to service. The Board denied this claim.,The Veteran's acne vulgaris with furunculosis and scarring was rated at 30 percent based on residual scarring affecting more than two characteristics of disfigurement.

The Board denied higher initial ratings for ischemic heart disease, digestive disability, and scar tissue on the right arm. The effective date of service connection for scar tissue was set at March 25, 2011.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for left midstromal corneal scar and increased rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on visual impairment or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's service-connected fifth metacarpal fracture, left hand is currently rated at 10 percent and denied a higher rating.,The Veteran's service-connected thyroidectomy scar on the neck is currently rated at 10 percent and denied a higher rating.,The Veteran's service-connected plantar wart, right foot post excision, is currently rated at 10 percent and denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left shoulder disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection and compensation for her hysterectomy, adhesions, and scarring. The claim was also denied for additional compensation based on allegations of in-service medical malpractice.