Scars decisions — 2020

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's left foot surgical scar and denied a compensable rating for his right foot surgical scar. The left foot scar is rated as unstable, while the right foot scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his surgical scar of the right flank, status post muscle graft, right latissimus dorsi muscle group II was denied. The Board found that the scar did not meet the criteria for any higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for shoulder disorder, keloid scarring, and unspecified depressive disorder with insomnia due to potential service connection issues. The AOJ must provide a new examination and consider all relevant evidence before making a decision.

The Board has remanded both the DIC benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and service connection for the cause of death claims due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the appellant's contentions regarding timely diagnosis and treatment of the Veteran’s UTI, sepsis, and other conditions.

The Veteran's rating for hemorrhoids, status post hemorrhoidectomy is increased to 20 percent. The Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance and being housebound are denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for anal fissures and pruritus ani with residual scar is remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to inadequate examinations and the need for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on employment.

The Veteran's PTSD, hypertension, and scar on the right thigh are all granted service connection. The Board found that the Veteran engaged in a boating accident during ACDUTRA which led to his PTSD diagnosis.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The remaining issues have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart murmur, sleep apnea, and facial wart removal scars are denied. The claim to reopen his facial wart removal scars is also denied. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including POTS, endometriosis, and breast fibroadenomas. The AOJ is required to verify potential exposure to environmental hazards at Fort McClellan during active duty for training from January 1978 to April 1978, obtain all relevant medical records, and provide a VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's skin condition and scars are remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his military service, specifically sun exposure during his tours in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for bronchogenic carcinoma and surgical scars are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a DRO hearing.

The Veteran's application for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and/or adaptive equipment was denied because his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility under VA regulations.

The Board denied reopening the claim for a neck disorder and denied TDIU, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment.

Your appeals for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for left knee degenerative joint disease status post arthroscopic surgery with scar and in excess of 10 percent for left knee, anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency and laxity have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for her service-connected right knee ACL tear and for a compensable rating for her service-connected right knee scar due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for scars of the head and neck as there is no current disability. The appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for TBI, respiratory disability (secondary to exposure), right foot, right knee, and right ankle disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted service connection.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The Veteran’s left foot residuals of crush injury with metatarsalgia fusion of interphalangeal joint of the great toe with no toe movement and degenerative changes with scars are rated 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 5284.,The Veteran's left foot decreased sensation with history of reflect sympathetic dystrophy is remanded for further evaluation. The current assigned rating of 30 percent is the maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 5284.,The Veteran’s TDIU claim is remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating for left foot decreased sensation with reflect sympathetic dystrophy.

The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) was granted at a 10 percent level prior to January 30, 2012. From January 30, 2012, to January 15, 2013, the Veteran received a 60 percent rating for CAD. From January 16, 2013, to March 11, 2015, he was granted a 100 percent rating for CAD. The Veteran's CABG scar was initially rated at 10 percent prior to March 4, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.