Scars decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for a new VA ear conditions examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and left ankle arthritis, prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment due to his physical limitations and mental health issues.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral foot surgical scars is granted at a 10 percent level. The Veteran's request for an increased rating for right foot hallux valgus is denied as the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent has been assigned.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on various conditions have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded several issues including service connection claims.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for surgical scars, right ankle prior to May 8, 2017 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation at any point during the appeal period. For the evaluation in excess of 20 percent as of May 8, 2017, the Veteran's right ankle scars were evaluated under Diagnostic Code 7804 due to three or more painful or unstable scars. However, the Board noted that a supplemental statement of the case was not issued and there is no examination indicating the severity of the right ankle scars following surgery.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, DJD and knee conditions, make it impossible for him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a TDIU based on the combined effects of his disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for sleep apnea was denied, and the issue of service connection for nasal scar residuals is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a neck disability as secondary to his service-connected low back disability, and remanded the cases for further development regarding hemorrhoids and left foot scars.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected ischemic heart disease and associated scars are being remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral breast reduction with residual numbness and scars, finding that her symptoms are related to her in-service surgery.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for cause of death, finding that his underlying cause of death (respiratory arrest due to pneumonia and cerebral hemorrhage) was not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded three issues: right great toe scars, status post right foot surgery first metatarsophalangeal joint; degenerative changes of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and service connection for hypertension. The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to incomplete information regarding his surgeries and treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as there is no evidence to support her assertions of in-service injury or a current disability related to military service.

The Veteran's heart attack treatment at Bryan Medical Center was eligible for VA reimbursement as it occurred during an emergency and prior authorization was granted within 72 hours of admission.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a compensable initial rating for retained bullet fragment right lateral chest wall-border of the right sixth rib and healed scars on anterior & posterior chest walls and left deltoid due to gunshot wounds, as well as his TDIU claim. The issues will be remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disorder, left ear deformity, facial scars, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional evidence should be obtained and considered in the claims for service connection for various conditions, including left and right carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic infections of the right eye, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claim is being remanded to allow for this development.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for limitation of flexion of the left forearm and scars of the left forearm are being remanded due to inadequate examination records and need for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain VA treatment records from the New York, New York VAMC dated in 1968/1969 and to conduct a VA examination if necessary.

The Board denied service connection for an umbilical hernia and remanded the issue of service connection to a cesarean section scar. The case is returned to VA for further action.