Scars decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for residual acne scarring of the face and back, as well as hematochezia due to undiagnosed illness, have been granted. The conditions are considered new and material based on evidence submitted after the initial denial.

The Veteran's peptic ulcer disease with scarring of duodenal bulb is being remanded for a VA examination to address the nature and impairment associated with the service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected foot disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, as his combined disability rating is only 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to use of custom insoles/sling supports was denied as shoes are not classified as articles of 'clothing' that can be damaged by wear and tear for purposes of a VA clothing allowance.

The Veteran's service connection claims for multiple disabilities were denied, and the effective dates assigned are not earlier than February 27, 2017.,VA did not grant an earlier effective date for SMC at the housebound rate as the Veteran did not have a single service-connected disability rated at 100% prior to February 27, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for multiple conditions resulting from the Veteran's in-service motor vehicle accident, including limitations of thigh movement and injuries to various body parts.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and a scar of the anterior trunk, associated with furunculosis are being remanded due to his failure to appear for VA examinations. He is required to provide updated medical records and undergo further evaluations.

The Veteran's right leg scar is rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds no basis for a higher rating due to lack of unstable or painful scars.,The Veteran's neurological disability of the right foot prior to May 1, 2016 is rated as non-compensable. The Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on mild incomplete paralysis.,From May 1, 2016 onwards, the Veteran's neurological disability of the right foot is rated at 10 percent due to moderate incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated as 10 percent. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating based on marked limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension are related to his service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examination to determine the current manifestations of her service-connected total hysterectomy and abdominal adhesions, residual effects of hysterectomy.,The Veteran seeks higher ratings for her painful surgical scar due to hysterectomy, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood due to hysterectomy, and abdominal adhesions. The case is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with depression and anxiety disability is rated at 70 percent since May 16, 2014. The issue of an increased rating for prostate disability (benign prostatic hypertrophy) remains on appeal.,The Veteran’s right hip arthroplasty scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

An effective date earlier than October 12, 2017, for the award of service connection for major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder is denied.,An effective date earlier than January 16, 2015, for the award of service connection for a left knee scar is denied.,An effective date earlier than September 24, 2010, for the award of service connection for a right knee scar is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability is not shown to have caused or aggravated any low back, left hip, or right hip disabilities.,Service connection for the Veteran’s claimed disabilities has been denied as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of August 4, 2004 for the service connection of coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary bypass surgery grafting scar, right leg, coronary bypass surgery scar, chest, and coronary bypass surgery grafting scar, left leg.

The Veteran's scalp folliculitis (acne) with keloid formation and scars from head to toe, linear scars from head to toe, and scars of the anterior trunk region, cholecystectomy with scar are not rated higher than their current levels.,Effective dates for increased ratings or service connection have been denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including gastrointestinal disorder and lower abdomen pain, all of which are secondary to residuals of colon cancer. The decision is pending further review.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication of both the reduction in disability rating and the increased evaluation claim. The Veteran's private medical records are requested to determine if his scar has changed since service connection was established.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a right leg amputation below the knee, adjustment disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, right leg scars, and back disability, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not include hypertension, and the Board is remanding this issue for further development.,Service connection for hypertension is being remanded as it was not addressed in the previous decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his active duty periods and the relationship between his current conditions and military service. The AOJ must verify the Veteran’s ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA dates, obtain addendum medical opinions, and schedule a VA examination.