Scars decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the cause of the Veteran's death and whether his service-connected conditions contributed to his suicide. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has not yet addressed the merits of the reopened claims for facial scars and a penile disorder. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded as a statement of the case has not been issued.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and earlier effective date, finding no CUE in the September 1992 rating decision and that there was no pending claim prior to March 15, 2012.

The Veteran's right knee leg sprain and scar of the right thigh are being remanded for a new VA examination. The recoupment of separation/readjustment pay is also being remanded due to lack of documentation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The claims for peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, asbestosis scarring, and COPD are denied.

The Veteran's claim for a head scar and TBI residuals was denied. Service connection for PTSD is granted with an initial rating of 70 percent, effective from April 25, 2017.

The Board has identified several issues for remand, including obtaining medical records and ensuring translations of documents. The claims related to superficial scars, duodenal ulcer disease, automobile or adaptive equipment benefits, service connection for hernia and loss of use of the left knee are all pending.

The Veteran's right foot scar and injury are related to his service, and the Board has granted service connection for both.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, Parkinson's disease, and orthopedic conditions, necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance. The Board has determined that the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance have been met.

The Veteran's appeals for compensable ratings for nephrolithiasis, a right cheek scar, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the left calf donor site scar is dismissed as it became final with the July 1991 rating decision.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for two deep, non-linear right lower extremity scars and a superficial right lower extremity scar are denied as there was no prior communication indicating an intent to file such claims.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 30 percent rating for right knee laxity associated with GSW residuals is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected painful scars as residuals of pilonidal cystectomy are granted a 30 percent disability rating effective September 23, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, while the propriety of reducing VA disability compensation benefits is also being remanded.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease prior to June 3, 2010 was denied as the evidence did not show a workload of greater than 5 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness or syncope.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial disability rating for a residual scar from heart surgery was also denied as there were no disabling effects associated with the scar.

The Veteran's claims for disability ratings for uterine fibroids, hallux valgus of the left foot, and hallux valgus of the right foot are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis, abdominal group XIX muscle strain with spasms, allergic rhinitis, and ovarian cancer are all denied ratings in excess of the current 10 percent. The Veteran is granted a 20 percent rating for stress incontinence beginning October 15, 2018.,The Veteran's painful scars and facial rosacea are both denied ratings higher than the current 10 percent. The Veteran's surgical scars are also denied ratings higher than the current 10 percent. Bilateral ankle and foot cellulitis is not rated as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The effective dates for service connection of allergic rhinitis, major depressive disorder, and stress incontinence have all been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his mental health condition, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as noncompensable (0%) since November 25, 2011.,The Veteran's scar due to head injury is currently rated as noncompensable (0%).

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for cognitive disorder, a right thumb scar, and service connection for PTSD with alcohol use disorder are pending. The Board has remanded these issues due to the need for further development and examination. Additionally, the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is also pending as there are outstanding questions regarding its etiology.