Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claim for malignant neoplasms, including skin cancer and residuals thereof (left axillary lymph node dissection and scarring) is granted due to exposure to herbicides during his military service. The left axillary lymph node dissection is also granted as it is related to the Veteran's melanoma.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to May 22, 2020 for service connection of various conditions secondary to his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis with polyps, residuals of pilonidal cysts, left buttock scar, TMJ dysfunction with bruxism, a left knee/quadricep disability, and a right knee/quadricep disability. The conditions are found to be at least as likely as not the result of in-service disease or injury.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's non-tender scar, right lower abdomen status post appendectomy was evaluated under Diagnostic Codes 7802 and 7804. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not warrant a compensable rating under either code due to lack of instability or underlying tissue damage.

The Veteran's chloracne and facial scars are presumed to have been caused by his in-service exposure to herbicide agents. However, the VA examiner needs to address whether the pre-existing scarring on his chin and cheek at his June 1965 pre-induction examination is related to service.

The Veteran's scar, gunshot wound to right hand is granted a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's gunshot wound right hand with painful/limited motion of the thumb is denied an increased rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to a predecisional duty to assist error. A retrospective medical opinion is needed to assess the extent of his functional impairment from service-connected disabilities prior to February 13, 2020.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular criteria for award of a TDIU, and entitlement to TDIU is granted from November 1, 2019.

The Veteran's left ear scar is granted service connection, with the Board finding it at least as likely as not related to military service.,Service connection for a stomach condition is denied. The VA examiner found no chronic stomach disability and opined that any current stomach condition is less likely than not related to service.

The Veteran withdrew all remaining issues associated with this appeal, including service connection for loss of balance and increased ratings for various psychiatric and physical disabilities. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and potential outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to assess his service-connected painful linear chest scar.

The Board has granted service connection for a scar on the back of the head, but denied service connection for a bilateral elbow condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for an earlier effective date and a compensable rating for the right shoulder disability, including glenohumeral joint instability with painful motion and scar. The claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to July 17, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's heart disability is secondary to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetic neuropathies, and retinopathy, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a TDIU from March 29, 2011.

The Veteran's left hip extension, flexion, abduction, and leg shortening disabilities have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.,A compensable disability rating for the Veteran's residual scar has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of all extremities, and congestive heart failure, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU claim.