Scars decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 100 percent rating from November 7, 2010. The ratings for low back strain and left knee strain with scar remain denied.

The appeal for a compensable evaluation for surgical scar is dismissed. The appeal for a compensable evaluation for ventral hernia is remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for malignant melanoma of the head and neck, as well as scars secondary to this condition, are granted. The claim is based on presumed exposure to herbicides during service in Vietnam.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the postoperative hernia scar, but remanded the issue of service connection for the right knee disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the laceration scar of the left thumb, finding that it had its onset during the Veteran's period of active duty and resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including cerebral venous angioma, hernia, gastrointestinal disorder, and abdominal scars. The issues are being remanded due to the need for clarification of residuals from a cerebellar venous angioma, obtaining additional private treatment records, and providing VA examinations.

The Veteran's scars and headaches are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee, right knee, and left ankle disabilities, as well as her lichen sclerosus, granuloma annulare, painful appendectomy scar, scar secondary to appendectomy, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with hiatal hernia to include diverticulosis. The Veteran is also remanded for a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected coccidioidomycosis and left chest scars do not render him unable to care for his daily needs without the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds that he is in need of aid and attendance due to nonservice-connected conditions, including amyloidosis.

The Veteran's NODs regarding lumbar strain, tinea versicolor, and radiculopathy were granted. The Veteran's hysterectomy, breast reduction, bilateral carpal tunnel release, and right-hand burn scars are rated at a combined 40 percent.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and left elbow scar are granted service connection, while his diabetes mellitus is denied. The Veteran's left shoulder disability receives a non-compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his right hip condition and for service connection for his left hip pain are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee condition (osteoarthritis) and a left knee scar, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not of such severity to preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment, and his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability, a right leg disability, and a scar above his right eye as there is no current evidence of these conditions or any functional impairment related to them.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to Chlorhexidine Gluconate use for service-connected scars is being remanded for further development of his medical records.

The Veteran's right knee scar is not considered unstable or painful, and does not cover an area of at least 39 square centimeters. Therefore, the claim for a compensable evaluation has been denied.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's right toe scar, finding that it does not meet the criteria for any of the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted effective March 17, 2015. The appeals for increased ratings on the remaining issues are dismissed as the Veteran has accepted the TDIU award.

The SMC claim is being remanded due to its connection with other pending claims. The service connection for obstructive sleep apnea remains in a remand status.