Scars decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and right anterior chest scar, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's request for a higher initial rating for right knee scars is granted, with an effective date of November 24, 2009.,The issues of service connection for hip and low back disabilities are REMANDED.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations to determine if any low back disability or acquired psychiatric disorder are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an increased rating for her lower abdominal residual scar and upheld the reduction from a 20% to a 10% disability rating. The Veteran was not granted any increase in her current rating.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded due to a lack of examination focusing solely on her service-connected disabilities. She needs an opportunity to be examined by a VA clinician.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of his left hip, left humerus, and related conditions have been dismissed. The right hip replacement claim has been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is not service-connected as it did not manifest during active service and there is no evidence of a chronic disease within one year of separation. The Veteran's current hearing loss is attributed to the natural progression of aging.,There is no evidence that the Veteran has a head scar or TBI related to his military service.