Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of tinnitus and suprapubic and infraumbilical scar have been withdrawn.,New evidence has been submitted to reopen claims for service connection for radiculopathy, lumbar disc disease, and cervical disc disease.

The Veteran's sleep apnea (OSA) is due to or aggravated by his service-connected fibromyalgia.,Service connection for OSA as secondary to fibromyalgia has been granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his employability and functional impairment from his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for a right thigh scar, service connection for hearing loss, sebaceous cyst, cold exposure residuals and a right thigh injury have been dismissed. Service connection for capillary hemangioma, right knee disorder and urinary disorder are denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for her scar of the left foot as a residual of surgery was denied.,However, the Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her residuals of injury to the left fifth toe was granted and she is now rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for skin cancer and issues involving the effective dates for ratings assigned for left ankle, left leg sciatica, and left hip disabilities evaluated based on limited range of motion on flexion, extension, and abduction have been dismissed.,A 30 percent rating has been granted for a forehead scar from February 11, 2009, and for both the forehead scar and right malar cheek scar from August 20, 2015.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right hip disability, heart disorder (Ischemic Heart Disease), prostate disorder, and skin condition (to include scars) due to new and material evidence received. The Veteran's representative withdrew other claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, Fuchs' corneal dystrophy, and a left eye macular condition. The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions began during or were otherwise related to military service.,The VA examiners provided opinions indicating that there was no credible link between the Veteran's current eye disabilities (Fuchs' corneal dystrophy and left eye macular scarring) and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with the assigned ratings for the Veteran's right knee scar disability and his headache disability. The AOJ is instructed to clarify the rating for the right knee scar disability, obtain updated treatment records, and arrange for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely cause of any headache disability.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his other disabilities. The rhinitis with history of sinus infections, OSA, and tinnitus are all rated at the maximum allowed under current criteria. Service connection for scar from right great toe surgery is granted but not effective prior to April 24, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is granted effective June 22, 2010. The appeal for tinnitus and the scar post-surgery associated with right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding the Veteran's left knee surgical scar, specifically her pain and impact on walking.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with previous remand directives and proper development for the Veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran needs regular aid and attendance or housebound status based on his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to determine these requirements.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was dismissed as moot because he has been in receipt of a total (100 percent) disability rating since February 26, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are currently rated at 20 percent each. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's eligibility for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment is being remanded due to the need for updated medical examinations and records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tremors and a respiratory disorder, including asthma and COPD. The Veteran's tremors are denied as not related to military service or herbicide exposure. For the respiratory disorders, an addendum medical opinion is needed to determine if they began during service or are causally related.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a pulmonary disorder, including as due to herbicide exposure and contaminated water Camp LeJeune exposure. The evidence does not support a finding that his lung disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for left perianal scar as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected reoccurring rectal abscess with thrombosed hemorrhoids. The issue of an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for reoccurring rectal abscess with thrombosed hemorrhoids is remanded.