Scars Board decisions

The Board has decided that the Veteran's right shoulder scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation. The issues of increased evaluations for his residuals, dislocated right shoulder and plantar warts, bilateral feet are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records related to an incident involving PCP ingestion.

The Veteran's scoliosis, intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbar fusion with scar, and right pelvic tilt were found to be aggravated by service. Service connection was granted for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of COPD and entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that COPD was not caused by military service or secondary to his service-connected recurrent pneumonia with lung scarring, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for right knee limitation of motion, hypertension, toenail fungus/onychomycosis (claimed as foot fungus), and residual raised scar/skin condition due to insect bite. The Veteran will need to provide updated medical records and undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cavernous sinus tumor and scars prior to December 31, 2013 is granted. However, the claim for a lower rating for scars thereafter remains denied.

The Veteran's maxillary retention cyst with chronic sinusitis, status post laceration with scar, right hand, and dysthymic disorder have been granted initial disability ratings. The HSV rating remains at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to missing service treatment records and a need to issue a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's TMJ and painful appendectomy scar have been rated, but the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to make a determination on these issues. The right shoulder disorder, abdominal disorder, back disorder, left knee pain, and left leg pain are being remanded for further review.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities meet the schedular percentage criteria for a TDIU, and his age and prior employment as a letter carrier prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's cut/scar of the head is granted service connection as it is linked to an in-service injury. However, his tinnitus does not have a link to service and thus service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support these claims.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a left wrist disorder, claimed as tendonitis. The Board denied this claim due to lack of evidence showing the condition was incurred or aggravated during active duty.,The Veteran also sought an earlier effective date for his service connection for scars on the head and right side of the head. The Board found that no prior communication could be interpreted as a formal claim, and thus denied the request for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's left foot scar is not compensable prior to December 19, 2019 and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter. The right foot disability (metatarsalgia) has been rated at the highest possible level since September 18, 2014. The right foot hammer toe has not affected all toes.,The Veteran's left foot scar is not compensable prior to December 19, 2019 and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter. The right foot disability (metatarsalgia) has been rated at the highest possible level since September 18, 2014.,The Veteran's right foot hammer toe is not compensable as it does not affect all toes.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for increased ratings of 10 percent for residual burn scars of the right forearm and left hand, as well as service connection for various conditions including tumors, tinnitus, psychiatric disorder, hypertension, shoulder disability, neck disability, LPR, respiratory disorder, and skin disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, left leg disability, left index finger scar, and left flank scar based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for an umbilical hernia, an initial compensable disability rating for an infraumbilical scar, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has denied service connection for residuals of a shrapnel wound of the right arm and facial burns, but granted service connection for scars on the back. The appeal is remanded for further action regarding stroke.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, pes planus, and keloid scarring have been granted. The cases of pes planus and keloid scarring are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.