Scars decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected residual neck scar status-post laminectomy and discectomy of the cervical spine is dismissed as there are no remaining allegations of errors in the determination being appealed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current chin scar disability and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and conducting VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as per VA regulations, and there is no evidence of an extraschedular TDIU.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected respiratory disability and any associated scars. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's guttate psoriasis and scar have been rated based on their current severity. The issues of service connection for right and left ankle disorders, as well as a separate rating for vision impairment related to the scar, are pending.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for both issues listed on the title page of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his right inguinal hernia scar did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, he does not have active tuberculosis or a dental disability that qualifies for compensation under VA laws and regulations.

The Board granted service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, hypothyroidism, and scars, claimed as surgical port and peg. The cancers are presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions and exposure to herbicides. The Board has determined that a new examination is needed for the peripheral neuropathy, left foot and ankle disorders, and left foot gout claims due to inconsistencies in previous opinions and lack of adequate examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, urinary dysfunction, and scars on the back has been reopened. The Board finds that his need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities meets the criteria for SMC.

The Veteran's left shoulder scar, which measures no longer than 10 centimeters and is stable but painful, warrants a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to failure to explain substantial compliance with the remand directives. The case will be returned for further consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including referral to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU on account of his service-connected left wrist disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his sleep apnea is not related to service or a service-connected disability. The abdominal scars are rated at 10 percent due to pain but no additional functional limitations. The residuals of multiple herniorrhaphies and malrotation repair with adhesions and abdominal pain warrant a 30 percent rating. The left wrist disability does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as he failed to submit the requested information needed to properly adjudicate his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected back disability and lower left extremity radiculopathy do not warrant a higher initial rating during any part of the appeal period.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his left shoulder disability was denied. The current rating of 20 percent is maintained as the evidence does not show that the Veteran's shoulder motion has been limited to a level warranting a higher rating.