Scars decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for his thoracolumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence and need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and effective dates for the service-connected scar (nose) were denied. The Board found no evidence of disfigurement or instability in the nose scar that would warrant higher ratings prior to March 13, 2017 or thereafter. Service connection was also denied for asbestosis, diabetes mellitus, type II, lumbar spine disorder, right-leg and left-leg disorders, sinusitis, and skin disorder.

The Veteran's appeal of an increased PTSD rating is dismissed. Service connection for a right shoulder AC joint disorder and initial compensable rating for tension headaches are granted, but the issue of service connection for a fifth right shoulder scar remains pending.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals of L4-S1 spinal fusion with residual scar and right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with postoperative residuals of L4-S1 spinal fusion with residual scar need to be remanded for further evaluation due to worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased rating have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by his attorney.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee scar but denied service connection for a left knee musculoskeletal disorder and arthritis. The scar was incurred in service, while the musculoskeletal disorder is not related to service.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his right upper extremity disability, including pain and numbness, is related to carelessness or negligence during the September 2013 surgical procedure.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for his head and face scars, as well as an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for these conditions, are being remanded due to the need for new examinations and consideration.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings, service connection claims, and a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) have been dismissed due to his death.

Your appeal for a right calf scar has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand disability, left hand disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted.,Service connection was established for tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's right lower extremity neuropathy, chronic cervical strain, and great toe condition have been remanded for further examination. The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae with residual facial scarring has also been remanded for a new VA examination to determine the severity of his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's well-healed scar on the right ear and surgical scar on the left cheek do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The Veteran's painful/tender scars of the left cheek and right ear are currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but do not warrant an increase under Diagnostic Code 7804.

The Veteran's right knee meniscus tear and scar are being remanded for further evaluation as the current rating does not reflect the severity of his symptoms.

The Board granted the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates of January 16, 1998 for left lower extremity hamstring allograft and lower left extremity painful scar. The claim for service connection for left lower saphenous nerve damage was reopened due to new evidence and a grant of service connection with an effective date of January 16, 1998.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with its prior remand directives, specifically regarding the Veteran's loss of appetite and appendectomy scar.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence and need further examination. The issues include PTSD, erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, prostate hypertrophy, neoplasms of the thyroid, and neoplasms of the kidney.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's left anterior chest scar is currently rated as non-compensable. The Board has ordered a new VA examination to evaluate the current symptoms and severity of his scar.

The Veteran's right ankle and PTSD disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation, including obtaining recent medical records and scheduling examinations. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the right ankle and PTSD claims.