Scars decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU prior to February 13, 2016 are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's post-operative burn scar and contracture of the left thumb are currently rated at 10 percent. The scars of abdomen and thigh donor sites are rated at 20 percent.,New evidence has been received that may support service connection for hypertension and anxiety, but it is not clear whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for all issues, with the exception of her initial compensable evaluation for epicondylitis right elbow. The denial is based on lack of evidence supporting higher ratings.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to March 16, 2016 is being remanded as the evidence suggests that he may be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and other conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and back pain, prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board grants TDIU prior to December 8, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with MDD and adenocarcinoma of the lung, prevent him from securing or following gainful employment. The Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Englewood Community Hospital on December 11, 2013 is denied as the treatment did not constitute a medical emergency and a VA facility was feasibly available.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine whether the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities and if so, whether he is substantially confined to his dwelling and immediate premises.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for higher ratings in the matters of scar of the right axilla, scar of the neck due to lymph node removal, and left knee scars. As a result, there are no further questions of fact or law remaining for the Board to consider.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected bilateral late effect of femur fracture, left knee enthesopathy, and bilateral hip osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as a mood disorder, is related to his service-connected right ankle disability and other service-connected degenerative arthritis disabilities. The Board has granted the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to the Veteran's service connected right ankle disability.

The Veteran's claim for additional clothing allowances is denied as the devices causing damage to his clothing are not used in conjunction with a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his combined rating of 80% due to service-connected disabilities meets the threshold requirements for a TDIU. Additional development is needed to assess the functional impact of his service-connected conditions on his ability to work.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by painful motion with normal range of motion on both flexion and extension, is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board has determined that a rating of 10 percent for the left knee disability is warranted based on painful motion, tenderness and swelling.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee, right knee, lumbar spine, and right shoulder conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development at a correctional facility.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in social and occupational impairment, with deficiencies in most areas. The Board granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left compartment syndrome and associated residual scar are service-connected as they are directly related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service connection for muscle damage of the right head and neck (muscle group XXII) has been granted.,Service connection for scar, right periauricular region was denied as there is no evidence of current disability.

The Veteran's death was not considered service-connected due to the lack of a continuous total disability rating for 10 or more years immediately preceding his death. The effective date for the 100% rating for PTSD was assigned on February 4, 2003.