Scars decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claims for initial compensable ratings for cervical spine degenerative arthritis, tension headaches, bilateral shoulder and bilateral knee scars due to procedural issues with representation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further action on several issues, including service connection claims and evaluations of various conditions. The July 2003 rating decision denying service connection for residuals of a right brachial plexus injury was not found to be clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate examination report and a need for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding functional loss due to hydrocodone use.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and chronic low back pain, have been found to meet the criteria for specially adapted housing eligibility. The claim for a special home adaptation grant is moot as he has already received eligibility for specially adapted housing. His request for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment was denied due to lack of meeting eligibility criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives regarding the need for regular aid and attendance (A&A) of another person or by reason of being housebound. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not fully evaluated in this decision.

The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his bilateral knee service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his cervical spine service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his bilateral shoulder service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his hiatal hernia/acid reflux service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his GERD service, and thus denied these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been remanded due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, as they only impacted physical acts of employment and not mental ones.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected corneal scar of the left eye status post superficial keratectomy (pterygium removal) and amniotic tissue graft was denied. The Board found that the condition does not result in more than one painful or unstable scar, nor visual impairment due to his left eye scar, disfigurement, conjunctivitis, or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has remanded the claims for a sleep disorder and TDIU due to service-connected disability because there is insufficient evidence on whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service or service-connected left foot eczema and scars.

The Veteran's neck scarring is considered a residual of in-service procedures to remove sebaceous cysts, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, left hand laceration with sutures and long finger weakness, left hand laceration with sutures and index finger weakness, residual scar from a left hand laceration, and right ear scars. The issues are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and conflicting opinions regarding the Veteran's scars.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The issues of service connection and increased ratings remain pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases due to his various conditions, including gout, low back issues, knee problems, achilles tendonitis, diabetes, blood pressure disorders, left Achilles condition, heart condition, sinusitis, and GERD. The Veteran will need to undergo additional examinations and obtain addendum medical opinions regarding his mental health, left Achilles condition, diabetes, sinusitis, blood pressure disorder, and heart disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of motion, and his cervical spine condition is rated at 20 percent. Both conditions are denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran’s right knee has been rated based on limitation of flexion, with no compensable extension limitation. His cervical spine condition is currently rated based on forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for advanced chorioretinal degeneration with extensive scarring, finding that his condition began during service and is caused by an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right tibia fracture was denied. The claim for TDIU from November 7, 2008 to April 9, 2012 was granted.

The Veteran's linear scars of the left calf, resulting in painful motion, are granted a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for scar, status-post CABG is denied.,The Veteran's PTSD is not rated in excess of 50 percent.,Service connection for pancreatic cancer is remanded due to lack of evidence addressing the etiology of the condition.,TDIU rating is remanded as it is intertwined with other claims.