Scars decisions — 2019

Service connection is granted for lipoma scars of neck. Temporary total ratings are denied for left shoulder and right shoulder surgeries. A temporary total rating is granted for April 2015 right shoulder surgery. The Veteran's multiple lipomas with residual scars, including newly service-connected lipoma scars of neck, are rated as a single disability. Other claims are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance is denied because his service-connected disabilities alone are not of such severity as to render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The issue of total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has also been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that his death was not related to any service-connected disabilities or service events.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for service-connected post-operative renal cancer residuals, including nephrectomy and surgery scars, trunk and entitlement to a compensable evaluation for service-connected s/p nephrectomy, times two, for right kidney renal cancer prior to November 25, 2014 and in excess of 30 percent disabling from August 1, 2015 due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected left forearm scar disability is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the severity of his condition, including any associated numbness and nerve damage.

The Board has found that a VA examination is needed for the disabilities to properly adjudicate the issues on appeal, including service connection for various conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's current conditions are related to his periods of active duty training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty training (INACDUTRA).

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims for various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, as well as a claim for an initial disability rating for generalized anxiety disorder. The Veteran is to be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded two issues related to service connection for a postoperative liver transplant and scars secondary to the liver transplant due to incomplete records.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the appellant's psoriasis and related conditions, specifically regarding the nature of his topical corticosteroid treatments.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and eligibility for specially adapted housing due to incomplete information in his medical records. The Veteran is currently receiving a combined 100% disability rating, but does not meet the criteria for special home adaptation grant eligibility.

The Veteran withdrew his claims related to COPD, left lung scars, and restrictive lung disease prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, leading to a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left knee disability, including any flare-ups and functional loss.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection are not supported by current medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation and determination of the merits of various service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left eye corneal scar is being remanded due to the need for additional records. The issue of service connection for a left knee disability has been resolved as he was granted service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation to determine if they meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for left ankle disability, Meniere's syndrome, and otitis media. The Veteran's pes planus and sinusitis are currently rated as they are not in excess of their current ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for abdominal scars, tinnitus, stomach muscle injury repair, and residuals of a right calf muscle injury are being remanded due to incomplete review of the medical records. The VA will need to provide an examination and determine if these conditions are related to his military service.