Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's right hand scar is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under either the old or new VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's service connection for septal telangiectasis is granted. Service connection for a dental condition for compensation purposes is denied. Increased ratings are granted for prostatitis, GERD with diverticulitis, hemorrhoids with hematochezia, and scars status post-staphylococcus infection prior to July 27, 2016. The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, a right leg disability (claimed as right leg being longer than the left leg), occipital neuralgia, vision loss secondary to TBI residuals, and a dental condition for treatment purposes are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for scars associated with ischemic heart disease were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected surgical scar, chest associated with coronary artery disease; atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease was denied for a compensable evaluation and an evaluation in excess of 60 percent. The TDIU ratings were also denied prior to June 21, 2012, and from September 1, 2012, to September 14, 2014. An effective date of September 1, 2012, was granted for Dependents’ Educations Assistance (DEA).

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's head injury and head scar, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence to support these claims. The Veteran's lay statements and medical opinions are considered in determining that his current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a scar and bilateral foot disorder due to insufficient evidence of their etiology. The Veteran was hospitalized during service for pneumonia and empyema, which may be related to his current conditions.

The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for bilateral open angle glaucoma and a separate 10 percent rating for the Veteran's left eye chorioretinal scar, effective May 14, 2020.

The Veteran's initial claim for a 10 percent rating for a residual surgical scar on the left foot was granted. However, her claim for an increased rating for left foot hallux valgus, status post bunionectomy, was denied.

The Veteran's keloid scar, status post pilonidal cystectomy, was granted a 10 percent rating effective July 2, 2006. A 20 percent rating was granted from April 11, 2016. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's left foot surgical scar and denied a compensable rating for his right foot surgical scar. The left foot scar is rated as unstable, while the right foot scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his surgical scar of the right flank, status post muscle graft, right latissimus dorsi muscle group II was denied. The Board found that the scar did not meet the criteria for any higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for shoulder disorder, keloid scarring, and unspecified depressive disorder with insomnia due to potential service connection issues. The AOJ must provide a new examination and consider all relevant evidence before making a decision.

The Board has remanded both the DIC benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and service connection for the cause of death claims due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the appellant's contentions regarding timely diagnosis and treatment of the Veteran’s UTI, sepsis, and other conditions.

The Veteran's rating for hemorrhoids, status post hemorrhoidectomy is increased to 20 percent. The Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance and being housebound are denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for anal fissures and pruritus ani with residual scar is remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to inadequate examinations and the need for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on employment.

The Veteran's PTSD, hypertension, and scar on the right thigh are all granted service connection. The Board found that the Veteran engaged in a boating accident during ACDUTRA which led to his PTSD diagnosis.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The remaining issues have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart murmur, sleep apnea, and facial wart removal scars are denied. The claim to reopen his facial wart removal scars is also denied. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including POTS, endometriosis, and breast fibroadenomas. The AOJ is required to verify potential exposure to environmental hazards at Fort McClellan during active duty for training from January 1978 to April 1978, obtain all relevant medical records, and provide a VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's skin condition and scars are remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his military service, specifically sun exposure during his tours in Vietnam.