Scars decisions — 2020

The Veteran's TMJ and painful appendectomy scar have been rated, but the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to make a determination on these issues. The right shoulder disorder, abdominal disorder, back disorder, left knee pain, and left leg pain are being remanded for further review.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities meet the schedular percentage criteria for a TDIU, and his age and prior employment as a letter carrier prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's cut/scar of the head is granted service connection as it is linked to an in-service injury. However, his tinnitus does not have a link to service and thus service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support these claims.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a left wrist disorder, claimed as tendonitis. The Board denied this claim due to lack of evidence showing the condition was incurred or aggravated during active duty.,The Veteran also sought an earlier effective date for his service connection for scars on the head and right side of the head. The Board found that no prior communication could be interpreted as a formal claim, and thus denied the request for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's left foot scar is not compensable prior to December 19, 2019 and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter. The right foot disability (metatarsalgia) has been rated at the highest possible level since September 18, 2014. The right foot hammer toe has not affected all toes.,The Veteran's left foot scar is not compensable prior to December 19, 2019 and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter. The right foot disability (metatarsalgia) has been rated at the highest possible level since September 18, 2014.,The Veteran's right foot hammer toe is not compensable as it does not affect all toes.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for increased ratings of 10 percent for residual burn scars of the right forearm and left hand, as well as service connection for various conditions including tumors, tinnitus, psychiatric disorder, hypertension, shoulder disability, neck disability, LPR, respiratory disorder, and skin disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, left leg disability, left index finger scar, and left flank scar based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for an umbilical hernia, an initial compensable disability rating for an infraumbilical scar, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has denied service connection for residuals of a shrapnel wound of the right arm and facial burns, but granted service connection for scars on the back. The appeal is remanded for further action regarding stroke.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, pes planus, and keloid scarring have been granted. The cases of pes planus and keloid scarring are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his heart disability prior to July 30, 2019 was denied as the evidence did not show more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure or workload of greater than 3 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran has instability in his right knee. The current ratings for surgical scars of both knees and DJD with loss of extension are denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals related to the evaluation of various knee conditions and other issues, including automobile or adaptive equipment, specially adapted housing, temporary total evaluations for service-connected disabilities, and special monthly compensation. The Board is dismissing these appeals as a result.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal regarding an earlier effective date for his right hip disability rating. The claims of service connection for hypertension, heart disability, sleep apnea, acquired psychiatric disorder, and acid reflux have been reopened due to new evidence received since previous decisions.

The Board dismissed the appeal for a compensable initial rating for scar, right knee, status post in-service surgery. The Veteran's service connection claim for post-operative right knee disability with traumatic arthritis was granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient examination reports and duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various skin conditions, including eczema, dermatitis, and acrochordons (skin tags), as well as benign cysts and painful scars. The remand is due to inadequate examination findings and a potential secondary service connection issue related to diabetes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability, left arm vaccination scar, and initial rating for tension headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional VA examinations to assess the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss disability, difficulty swallowing and cotton mouth, and left side neck scar. The appeals are currently pending.