Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,The Veteran's laceration of the larynx and esophagus does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus the Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus (DM) was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are rated at 60 percent, and the effective date for TDIU is set at December 16, 2012. The ratings for prostatectomy scars and erectile dysfunction remain denied.

The Veteran requested to withdraw the appeal regarding her request for a waiver of indebtedness resulting from an overpayment of Chapter 33 benefits. The Board dismissed this issue as it was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence linking the claimed disabilities to her military service, and the current effective rating was deemed appropriate.

The Veteran's claim for a scar on the right cheek was reopened and granted. The Board found that the Veteran incurred a scar on his right cheek during service, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. Service connection is also granted for left arm pain and weakness, but denied for a left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without providing good cause.

The Veteran's claim for VR&E services to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing is remanded due to pre-decisional errors and the need for further evaluation by a VRC considering his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to errors in obtaining relevant records and providing adequate opinions.

The appeal is granted because the November 2017 Statement of the Case was sent to the incorrect representative, and thus the Veteran's representative filed a timely substantive appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance, finding that he does not meet the criteria to receive this benefit due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran was granted SMC for his spouse.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for lipoma removed residual scars on the anterior trunk and right upper extremity, as well as a 10 percent evaluation based upon multiple, noncompensable, service-connected disabilities, were denied.

The Board dismissed all appeals seeking increased ratings for various shell fragment wound (SFW) conditions and scars, citing the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board has dismissed it.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran has limited motion with pain, but without limitation of motion midway between side and shoulder level or limitation of motion of the arm to 25 degrees from the side.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from April 4, 2012, to April 5, 2012, and from July 1, 2012, to October 19, 2013. The Board found that the service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable during these periods.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disorder and residual internal and external scars of Caesarean sections, finding no credible evidence linking these conditions to active duty for training.,There is no direct evidence showing that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder or scars from a C-section were incurred during her military service.

The Veteran's right knee scars are not associated with underlying soft tissue damage and do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,There is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran’s low back disorder or left knee disorder are related to service. The Veteran should be provided another opportunity for an examination.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with depression, which may be related to his in-service motorcycle accident. A VA examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders.,VA examinations are needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right knee arthritis and instability.

The Veteran's left femur fracture with scars and knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent for the entire initial rating period from June 24, 2009. The appeal for a higher rating remains before the Board.