Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for residual scars from basal cell carcinoma and a separate rating for painful scars are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on the nature and etiology of his recent basal cell carcinoma.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left elbow disorder, post-operative residuals of abdominal surgery, and an increased rating for head acne scarring. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.,The Veteran's left elbow disorder is not related to his time in-service, as evidenced by pre-existing conditions noted prior to his entry into service. His post-operative residuals of abdominal surgery are already covered under a separate rating for the painful scar. The acne scarring has resolved and does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for prostate cancer, including status post prostatectomy with incontinence, bladder leakage, and any other residuals thereof, or residual prostatectomy scar. Service connection for a stomach disability (including duodenal ulcer and GERD) remains remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder condition, left shoulder scar, and back condition.

The Veteran's painful scars of the scrotum have been granted an increased rating to 10 percent, effective from the date of the decision. An initial compensable rating for residual scars (not associated with underlying soft tissue damage) has been denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cavernous sinus tumor status post craniotomy and removal with scars, finding that the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to December 31, 2013, or 10 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for scars, post-operative, excision of lipomas of the right hip, anterior and posterior trunk with constant pain is granted from September 28, 2011.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for all linear scars head to toe due to surgery for excision of lipomas and lung cancer is denied.

The Veteran is granted a higher 10 percent rating for his intertrigo fungus and associated painful scar in the groin area, effective from the date of service connection.

The Board has withdrawn all claims related to the Veteran's service connection and disability rating appeals due to his withdrawal requests. The right knee disorder, bilateral foot fungus, and prostate condition (claimed as large prostate) claims have been reopened based on new evidence submitted since their last denial.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and service connection claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for vision condition and tinnitus have been dismissed due to his request to withdraw them.,The Veteran's appeals for initial disability ratings in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, burn scar of the chin, hepatitis, and initial compensable ratings for burn scars on various body parts are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for scars residual to left leg abscess has been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right inguinal hernia scar was denied as the evidence did not support a higher disability rating under the applicable schedular criteria.,Service connection for COPD was also denied because there was no medical evidence linking the condition to asbestos or lead paint exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI) scar is granted. Service connection for a blood disorder is denied. The lumbar spine disability has been rated at 10%, 20%, and 40% since July 1, 2011, to November 19, 2019.

The Veteran's hidradenitis of the right axilla and post-operative burn scar of the left thumb are currently rated at 10 percent each. The Board denied increased ratings for both conditions as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for post-surgical scars of the right shoulder, left shoulder and right wrist is denied. An initial 30 percent evaluation is granted for eustachian tube dysfunction throughout the appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for scars on the scrotum, left forearm, and forehead. The decision also denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to lack of in-service injury or exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's abdominal surgery and resulting scar are related to his service-connected prostate cancer.

The Board has remanded two cases involving the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities for further examination and clarification of his claims.