Scars decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder, heart murmur, and secondary polycythemia have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for secondary polycythemia.,Service connection is denied for cervical spine disorder, heart murmur, and wrist osteoarthritis (secondary to carpal tunnel syndrome).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been denied as there is no credible evidence of a current diagnosis.,Service connection for skin cancer was also denied due to the lack of documented instances of skin cancer during the pendency of this claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,For the period on appeal, the Veteran’s right wrist tendonitis and left wrist tendonitis have not resulted in functional limitations that warrant a higher rating than the currently assigned 10 percent ratings.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed for the Veteran's service-connected corneal scar, left eye, and an expert opinion is required regarding his claimed acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD). The case is being remanded to allow for this additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease and scar due to coronary artery bypass, as there are incomplete examinations that need to be conducted.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals shrapnel wound, right thigh, muscle group XIV is rated at 10 percent prior to May 25, 2017 and at 30 percent after that date. The Veteran's service-connected residuals shrapnel wound, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, right thigh with scar is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for alopecia and a rear head scar, finding that there was no evidence to support the contention that these conditions began during or were aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's facial scars are rated at 30 percent, but the Board has remanded both his initial rating and effective date claims.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine, bilateral lower extremity, and right thumb disabilities. The neck disorder, status post metacarpal phalangeal fracture of the right thumb, lumbar fusion with disc herniation, post laminectomy syndrome and lumbar stenosis, surgical scar, mid low back, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity L-5 radiculopathy are all remanded for further examination and rating considerations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and extraschedular evaluations are remanded due to the submission of additional evidence not previously considered by the RO.,The Veteran is entitled to SMC based on loss of a creative organ (left testicle) as it resulted from service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's tension headaches are now rated at 30 percent, effective February 6, 2014. The rating is subject to controlling regulations governing the payment of monetary awards.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further evaluation due to possible worsening of symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence currently of record to decide whether he is entitled to Self-Employment Category 1 designation. The matter will be further evaluated by a VRC or CP.

The Veteran's PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and initial compensable disability ratings for postoperative scars of the left shoulder. The appeal for a higher rating for the left shoulder postoperative scars is denied. The appeal for a temporary total evaluation for rehabilitation of impingement of the left shoulder, postoperative is dismissed as there was no evidence of severe surgical wounds or immobilization by cast. The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for post-operative impingement of the left shoulder is remanded.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the tibiotalar joints with scars was granted a 40 percent rating from February 2, 2015. Prior to that date, he received a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's initial increased evaluation for coronary artery disease status post CABG prior to July 10, 2012 is denied. From July 10, 2012 to October 31, 2017, the Veteran is granted a 60% evaluation for his service-connected coronary artery disease. The Veteran's increased evaluation in excess of 60% for this condition from November 1, 2017 is denied.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for a lung disability, including pneumonia and scarring in the lung tissues, to include interstitial lung disease, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship between the appellant's current lung disability and his reported pneumonia during ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and secure substantial gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, coronary artery disease, liver disease, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease, and pigmentation scar on the head. The claim for prostate cancer was reopened based on new evidence, but it was still denied as there is no direct or presumptive link to service.,Service connection for coronary artery disease, liver disease, erectile dysfunction, and kidney disease were also denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis or chronicity.