Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings were dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal.

The Veteran's painful right index finger scar was granted a 10% disability rating effective October 27, 2017.,The Veteran's laceration to the bridge of his nose and forehead was denied as not meeting the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the inextricability of this appeal with a separate appeal regarding severance claims. The TDIU appeal will be deferred until the adjudication of the severance claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right tibia scar, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and medical opinions regarding the etiology of pancreatic cancer and its relationship to service, including any toxic exposures. The scar related to pancreatic cancer surgery is also inextricably intertwined with the pancreatic cancer claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted, but with effective dates of October 26, 2017.,No effective date earlier than October 26, 2017, was established for the grants of service connection or increased ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability and associated conditions do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a scar is granted.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for left knee disability is set at January 21, 2011. The earlier requested effective date is denied.

The Veteran's left ankle disability and surgical scar are currently rated at 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively. The Board has found that these ratings do not meet the criteria for higher ratings.,TDIU prior to June 4, 2013 is remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran was unemployable due to her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU. The issue of a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is remanded due to new evidence.

The Veteran's groin condition with scar is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings.,The Veteran's cerebral hemangioblastoma residuals with scar are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings and the need for a toxic exposure screening.,The Veteran's pancreatitis, GERD, and cervical spine disability are being remanded as they are intertwined with his cerebral hemangioblastoma claim on appeal.,The Veteran's OSA is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination addressing obesity as an intermediate step.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings and the need for a VA examination addressing obesity as an intermediate step.,The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.,The Veteran's lymph node condition is being remanded due to the need for a VA toxic exposure screening.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded to obtain an assessment of the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability prior to March 18, 2019.

The Board dismissed the appeals of the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left ankle fracture, left knee disability, right knee disability, and left knee scar as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

All appeals for service connection and increased evaluations have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of all issues.,An effective date of January 26, 2018, has been granted for a 50 percent disability evaluation for headaches.

The Board has remanded the cases of kidney cancer and associated scars, as well as the TDIU claim from December 27, 2017, to October 18, 2018. The issues are related to service connection for these conditions based on asbestos exposure in service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to issues related to service-connected residuals of a right breast lumpectomy, bilateral breast reconstruction surgery, and scar residuals. The Veteran's lay statements will be considered, and updated medical records are needed. A VA examination is required to assess the severity of her service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date prior to August 8, 2014, for the award of service connection for right knee strain and right knee scar.

The Veteran's right shoulder surgical scar is granted a disability rating of 10 percent due to pain, but no limitation of motion or function.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's exposure to herbicides and contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, as well as to obtain outstanding medical records. The claims for service connection are remanded in light of this determination.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 23, 2016, for right distal forearm residual of fight forearm scar (painful) is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date of April 1, 2014, but no earlier, for left elbow scar is granted.