Scars decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's scar on his head is related to service-connected acne of the scalp.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Regional Office must first address a request for substitution before the Board can proceed with the case.

The claim for service connection of headaches has been reopened and granted. The effective date for the award of service connection for fracture, right (major) fifth metacarpal head is April 2, 1992. The claim for an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain with scar and history of herniated disc and discectomy remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities make him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU effective from March 23, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for gastritis, left ankle sprain prior to June 18, 2018 and from June 18, 2018 onwards, or scar, status-post operative left inguinal hernia.

The Veteran's service-connected unequal leg length is granted. The rating for tinnitus remains at 10%. A new compensable rating of 10% is assigned for the right knee surgical scar. Service connection for right ear hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

An effective date of September 18, 2015 is granted for the award of service connection for painful scars on the head, status-post laceration. The decision also addresses a claim of CUE in the denial of service connection for scalp laceration scar (head scar) and finds that an earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected status post left breast mass incisional biopsy and residual scar to the left breast for left breast mass/lump were denied initial compensable ratings as they did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's separate chronic right-hand disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected TFCC tear with scar, right wrist and traumatic arthritis of the PIP joint of the right index finger. The Veteran also receives a TDIU prior to November 8, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his left-hand cyst and hernia scar, as well as for a rating determination on his service-connected hernia scar.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions result in loss of use of both lower extremities, requiring her to rely on a walker or wheelchair for mobility. The Board has granted eligibility for specially adapted housing due to this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right middle finger scar was denied as there is no current evidence of such a condition.,Service connection for a left hand disability and GERD were also denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound due to a lack of evidence showing she is in need of regular aid and assistance or permanently housebound.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's breast cancer, breast scar, hip scar, and anxiety disorder, all of which are related to her exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability ratings for left forearm injury with scar and left third, fourth, and fifth finger condition with scars are denied.,The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for neck injury and sprain, left elbow condition with a scar, arthritis of the hands, and arthritis of the ankles.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection and effective dates for various conditions, including follicular infection on the head and chest, right and left knee disorders, headaches, muscle and joint pain, neurological disorder, respiratory disorder, sleep disorder, gastrointestinal condition, carpal tunnel syndrome, and major depressive disorder. The Veteran is also requested to provide additional medical records and undergo examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of nose surgery and a separate rating for residual painful scar of left inguinal hernia repair is denied. The effective date for the 10 percent rating for the latter condition is set at April 29, 2013.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a scar on the back of the head, and migraine headaches as these conditions are not shown to have been incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the claims for left and right leg periostitis, status post fasciotomy with knee compartment syndrome.