Scars decisions — 2019

The claim to reopen the previously denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is granted. The right hip disability and left lower extremity scar claims are remanded.

The Veteran's fasciotomy of the right anterior lateral compartment of the right leg is rated at 10 percent, and his right leg surgical scar is rated as noncompensable. Both conditions are denied an increased rating.,The Veteran’s right leg surgical scar has been separately service-connected with a noncompensable rating since May 22, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted, and a TDIU on a schedular basis due to his service-connected disabilities is granted. The compensable rating for the scar disability remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and examination to address his claims for allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric condition, and a lung condition. The Veteran also has pending issues regarding the rating of his left breast scar and entitlement to SMC on account of anatomical loss of one breast.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for a residual scar of the right arm. The claims for prostate cancer, low back disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder) have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disabilities, as well as residuals of a head injury (other than the scar). The Veteran did not have current diagnoses of these conditions.,Service connection was granted for a head scar due to an in-service head injury.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of upper respiratory infection of streptococcus, laceration to the scalp, laser hair removal from face scarring, dermatophytosis of the toenails, and G6PD deficiency have all been denied as they are not supported by evidence of current disabilities or a link to military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse, left shoulder disability, and scar residuals of shell fragment wounds have been granted increased ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD and scars of the left bicep, right hand, and left hand were granted initial ratings. The PTSD was rated at 50 percent, while the scars were rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the nature and cause of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, low back disability, bilateral knee disability, respiratory disorder (scar tissue of the lungs), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for his right closed proximal tibia-fibula fracture and residuals (scar) of open reduction internal fixation right tibia-fibula, as well as his claim for a 10 percent rating based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities. The remand requires the Veteran to be afforded VA examinations to assess the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his right shoulder torn labrum and biceps tendon with scar was dismissed as the Veteran's attorney withdrew the appeal on his behalf.

The Veteran's application to reopen claims for cervical spine disability, left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, and psychiatric disorder (to include depression and anxiety) was granted. The claim for stomach cramps is denied. The effective date of service connection for psychiatric disorder (to include depression and anxiety) is remanded.

The Veteran's death was caused by a drug overdose, but the Board found that his service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to this death. The appeal is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left foot disability and residual scar are pending.

The Board has denied service connection for an eye disability, inguinal hernia, and a scar associated with inguinal hernia. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions on the flat foot, hearing loss disability, and toenail fungus issues.,Service connection for flat foot, hearing loss disability, and toenail fungus are also being remanded as there are outstanding records that need to be obtained.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for scar, postoperative at middle of abdomen and perforated bowel, status post colonoscopy right hemicolectomy were denied as the effective date cannot be earlier than December 3, 2008 due to a one-year period following notification of the October 2007 decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hallux valgus of the left foot and residuals of bunionectomy, scar, right foot are denied.

The Veteran's right eye corneal scar has worsened and he needs a VA examination to determine the severity of his condition.