Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the physical loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ankylosis of one or both knees or hips. Therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in purchasing a vehicle and adaptive equipment.

The Board has granted service connection for squamous cell carcinoma due to in-service herbicide agent exposure and for osteoradionecrosis of the jaw, peristalsis condition, and scars as secondary to squamous cell carcinoma.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for service-connected chronic gastritis is denied as the evidence does not show multiple small eroded or ulcerated areas and symptoms.,The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for service-connected left great toe condition (metatarsophalangeal joint) and residual scars of the left foot are remanded due to conflicting opinions regarding the relationship between his service-connected conditions and the amputations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete evaluations, including a lack of consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service noise exposure. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left arm, chest, back, and abdominal scars are granted.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (panic disorder without agoraphobia) and IBS are also granted as service connected.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, a lung disorder other than COPD and bronchitis (claimed as collapsed lung), benign prostatic hypertrophy, and transient ischemic attack. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims that these conditions were related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inconsistencies in his service-connected eye disabilities and ratings, as well as conflicting VA examinations. Clarification is needed regarding the Veteran's current eye conditions and their relationship to military service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on current evidence of record.,The Veteran's scars are currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds that given the presence of multiple scars with pigmentation problems, a compensable rating (10%) for one characteristic of disfigurement is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claim is granted.,A compensable disability rating (10%) is granted for a painful scar in the left Achilles' heel, subject to the law and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.,Service connection for a psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as a phobia of flying and manifested by intrusive dreams, sleep impairment, and mild memory loss, is granted.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for various conditions remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a scar of the right axilla caused by the Veteran's service-connected Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, it denied service connection for malignant skin neoplasms as they are not attributable to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations, missing service treatment records, and outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected left index finger disability, left long finger disability, and left hand scars were denied. The evidence showed arthritis with painful motion in the affected fingers and scars on the hands.

The Veteran's painful left eyelid scar is granted a 10 percent rating, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for CSR with left paramacular scars and Dry Eye Syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left-hand loss of motion due to gunshot wound with scar was denied. The VA found that the condition, which includes painful and weak motion, does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including traumatic brain injury residuals, lumbosacral spine intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative joint disease, PTSD, and other conditions, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has also determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his treatment history and its systemic effects on his condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since August 1, 2012. From January 29, 2020, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The appeal for service connection for loss of use of both legs is dismissed.,Eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of all evidence in the first instance.