Scars decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The reduction of disability ratings for knee conditions was upheld, but the Veteran did not receive a compensable rating for his hernias.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a left index finger scar, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for the residual prostate cancer surgical scar is denied.,The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer are rated at 60 percent, which is the highest available based on voiding dysfunction. A higher rating in excess of 60 percent is not warranted.,The Veteran’s ED is currently rated noncompensable and he has been awarded a special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of a creative organ. No compensable rating for ED is granted.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, as his service-connected disabilities precluded him from following and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied initial compensable ratings for scars from fasciotomies on the Veteran's lower left and right legs, finding no disabling effects due to the scars.

The Veteran's prostate cancer with scars is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms are adequately contemplated by this rating.

The Veteran's service connection for scoliosis of the lumbar and thoracic spine, as well as a painful scar related to scoliosis surgery, is granted. The issue of a higher rating for DDD and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected right lower knee and bilateral lower extremity scar disabilities are being remanded for additional examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, right foot degenerative arthritis with hallux valgus, bilateral cataracts with dry eye syndrome, and a right eyelid scar. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disorders, as well as a compensable rating for an umbilical hernia. The Veteran's VA records will be reviewed, and he will undergo examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his shoulder conditions and hernia.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervicalgia with bulging disc and DDD, as well as scoliosis, DDD and DJD with arthritic changes prior to June 12, 2015 were denied. The criteria for these conditions have not been met.

The Veteran is granted TDIU from August 20, 2015 to February 7, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities. The appeal for prior dates was denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial compensable rating for left ankle scar, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left hip strain with limitation of extension, right hip strain, and left hip strain impairment of the thigh due to outstanding VA and private treatment records and a need for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for a right eyebrow scar and service connection for right status post ocular trauma, trigeminal neuralgia with orbital parasthesia. The Board found that his scars did not meet criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7800, and concluded that the Veteran's trigeminal neuralgia was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, eye disability, headaches, scar on the left forehead, and acid reflux have been granted. The initial ratings assigned are as follows: 10% for hearing loss, no rating for eye disability, noncompensable (0%) for headaches, 30% for acid reflux, and a separate 10% for the scar on the left forehead.

The Veteran's hypertension and left arm axillary scarring with limitation of motion were not granted service connection or increased rating, respectively. The case is remanded for further examination to determine the severity of the left arm condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of chondromalacia right knee and increased rating for left arm scar.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, and left Achilles tendonitis due to inadequate opinions regarding their relationship with service.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities, including arthroscopic surgery, instability, and scars, are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete STRs and the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, sleep disorder, anxiety disorder, TBI, head scar, and skull disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.