Scars decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to May 9, 2014, and June 7, 2013, for service connection for atrophy of the right gluteal muscle and a right hip surgical scar have been denied.,Higher initial ratings for left hip DJD, limitation of flexion, and thigh impairment are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and special monthly compensation have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability evaluations for scarring of the head, face, and neck as well as scarring of the right upper extremity and posterior trunk have been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of characteristics of disfigurement or other disabling effects warranting a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings due to outstanding SSA disability records that may provide relevant information.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to June 28, 2010 and for increased ratings are remanded due to unclear evidence regarding his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and granted a rating of 10 percent for scars of the left knee. The Veteran's claim for sleep apnea was not supported by evidence showing a current disability during the appeal period, while his claim for scars of the left knee was supported by competent and probative evidence indicating that he had painful scars.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to engage and retain substantially gainful employment for the rating period prior to April 19, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability is considered a contributory cause of his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for left leg disorder and fibrocystic breast disease due to insufficient examination reports. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other two issues.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied prior to August 3, 2016 and remanded for further evaluation of his TDIU claim from August 3, 2016 to August 16, 2018.

The Board has granted a 40 percent initial rating for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, taking into account functional impairment due to pain and stiffness during flare-ups. The maximum schedular rating under the General Rating Formula is awarded.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for hypertension, a bilateral eye disorder, and the effective date of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claims are now pending for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative joint disease with status-post right wrist injury and right wrist scar were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for either condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for referral of his ilioinguinal neuritis to determine if an extraschedular rating is warranted. His initial scars and hernia repair residuals are denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for service-connected surgical scars of the right knee has been dismissed due to a withdrawal request by the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's service-connected right total knee replacement, scar residuals of a laceration of the right calf and scar, status post right total knee replacement, and tinnitus have been granted effective February 27, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for various disabilities, including sleep disorder, respiratory disorder, acne scar disability, right shoulder disability, thoracolumbar spine (back) disability, left and right wrist disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, shin splints, and ankle disabilities have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for concussion and TBI were denied in March 1971, and his claim for migraine headaches was not granted until March 24, 2011. The decision is final as the Veteran did not appeal within one year of notice.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

This decision grants service connection for tinnitus and a painful left-hand stab wound dorsum scar, but denies service connection for bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, and foot disabilities. The Veteran's right hip disability is remanded for further review under the theory of secondary service connection.,reasoning for denial of service connection for bilateral hearing loss: There is no evidence of current hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations.