Scars decisions — 2019

The Board denied an increased rating for umbilical herniorrhaphy with residual scar, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are more consistent with unrelated conditions such as GERD.

The Veteran's residuals of kidney cancer and painful scars are granted as service connected, with the Board finding that reasonable doubt should be resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions of in-service injury or disease related to his current conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for painful scar, right index finger was withdrawn by the Veteran.,The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for painful scar, right index finger was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The claim of service connection for the cause of death is dismissed, and the claim of DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is required before the appeal can be decided, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present back disability, hip disability, residuals of a chest injury (scar tissue), and residuals of viral syndrome (memory loss).

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is rated at 10 percent, but no more. The lumbar strain and bilateral knee disorders are each rated at 10 percent.,PTSD was granted a 70 percent rating prior to January 31, 2014, with the possibility of an increased rating from that date onwards.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right hand and finger disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dizziness has been denied. The Board found no current disability upon which to base a claim of service connection. Service connection is also remanded for back, right leg, and bilateral knee disorders due to combat service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including residuals of clival meningioma and related conditions, are being remanded due to her failure to report for a VA examination.

The Veteran's hypertension is not rated compensably due to blood pressure readings below the required threshold. The acne scars of the face issue requires a new VA examination, and the PTSD rating needs an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for scars of the right hand, fifth digit is denied as his scars do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran is found unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, which include PTSD, left thigh gunshot wound with compound fracture of femur, and other physical conditions. The Board finds that the evidence supports this determination.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for left and right knee replacements, as well as painful scars, all secondary to service-connected residuals of right great toe fracture due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for skin disability (residuals of scarlet fever) is remanded due to the need for a new medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his current skin condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating based on their combined rating of 80%. However, due to the lack of an examination considering her unemployability due to these conditions, the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an appendectomy scar is being remanded due to incomplete records. A VA examination is needed to determine the current manifestations of the Veteran’s scar and whether it had its onset in service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's left wrist scar is related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including traumatic brain injury with memory loss and dizziness, obstructive sleep apnea, migraine headaches, nasal fracture residuals, and scar from nasal surgery, have rendered him unemployable. The Board finds that the criteria for TDIU have been met.