Scars decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is granted, and he meets the criteria for a period of postoperative convalescence from December 1, 2012, to February 29, 2013, following left shoulder hemiarthroplasty on May 10, 2012.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from July 24, 2012, to June 30, 2015.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee scar and traumatic degeneration of the 2nd left distal metacarpal joint, as secondary to a service-connected gunshot wound. The upper respiratory disability claim is denied.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a head injury, AVM, seizures, headaches, dizziness, and back disorder. The Veteran's scarring of the scalp was granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right forearm scar with residual hypesthesia and any related nerve disability need further evaluation. The TDIU issue is also remanded as it may be inextricably intertwined with the rating claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, as well as examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is considered a subsequent manifestation of his already service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's chronic right hand strain and right hand scar have been rated as 10 percent each, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal for aid and attendance allowance for J.R. was dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant. The Board granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance, finding that the Veteran requires regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, shrapnel wounds, and hearing loss are found to be so disabling that they prevent him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment. The TDIU is granted as of August 27, 2010.

The Veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, posttraumatic stress disorder, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy with glaucoma and cataracts, and other conditions. Special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his appendectomy scar was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. His hypertension claim was also denied, but he is now eligible to reopen his claim for service connection due to new and material evidence. The psychiatric disability claim remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's scarring outside the vaginal area due to molluscum contagiosum has been granted a 10 percent disability evaluation, effective April 27, 2007. The issue of an initial higher disability evaluation for PTSD remains under consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of her service-connected disabilities on her ability to work.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a more current VA examination of his scars.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for various conditions have been denied as there is no evidence of any unadjudicated formal or informal claim prior to July 5, 2007.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent, and he is granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, so the case is dismissed.