Scars decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted. He is now entitled to a 100 percent rating for coronary artery disease prior to August 22, 2013, and a noncompensable rating for the scars associated with his squamous cell carcinoma of the left lung, status post lobectomy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of a 20 percent disability rating for a tender scar below naval was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence within one year prior to September 24, 2013 indicating an increase in severity.,The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for her lower back disability was denied. The Board determined that the current level of disability does not warrant a higher rating based on the criteria set forth in the Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and right knee condition have been withdrawn by the appellant prior to any decision being made.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for scars on the retina, dermatitis of the groin, and bilateral hearing loss. The decision also granted an initial noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the increased rating for coronary artery disease, status post bypass graft with scar prior to February 25, 2015.

The Veteran seeks service connection for residuals of an in-service perforated ulcer, including scarring. The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for his left fifth toe deformity and scar have been granted.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the Veteran's ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to her service-connected disabilities. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and arranging for a medical examination. The TDIU claim will be adjudicated again after all requested actions have been completed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in permanent and total disability due to loss or use of both lower extremities, blindness in both eyes with only light perception plus the anatomical loss or use of one lower extremity, or other conditions that preclude locomotion without aids. Therefore, his claim for specially adaptive housing has been denied.

The Veteran's abdominal scar and residuals from an accidental stab wound are rated as noncompensable, but the Veteran is not entitled to service connection for his pancreatitis, right knee condition, left knee condition, broken right ankle, broken right leg, or cervical arthritis.,There is no evidence of a current disability related to service-connected conditions that would support secondary service connection for any of these issues.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation and a rating in excess of 10 percent for her residual scars, status post total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and removal of appendix, is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's additional dystrophic scar disability was not caused by VA negligence or a foreseeable event, and thus denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board found that the Veteran's right thumb disability and associated scars were not incurred or aggravated by service, as her pre-existing conditions existed prior to service. The current disabilities are considered a result of a 1992 surgical procedure unrelated to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected residuals of umbilical hernia repair.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is denied as there is no evidence that he requires regular aid and assistance from another person due to service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no rating decision has been made.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, right ankle arthritis with ligament reconstruction, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and a right ankle scar, rendered him unable to dress or undress himself, attend to his personal hygiene, manage his finances or medications, walk, relieve himself without assistance, and protect from hazards. The Board finds that SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent rating for painful motion in the Veteran's right thumb, index finger, and long fingers associated with his service-connected right hand scars. The remaining issues have been denied.