Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's death was caused by a pulmonary embolus, which the Board found to be related to his service-connected atrial fibrillation. Therefore, DIC based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death is granted. The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, was granted. Service connection for bilateral cataracts and glaucoma due to diabetes mellitus was also granted.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD is rated at 30 percent, his right knee retropatellar pain syndrome and instability are each rated at 10 percent, and he has a separate 10 percent rating for his right knee scars. These ratings are effective from the date of the claim in June 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected residual scars of first and second degree burns to the right leg, thigh, arm, and face are not associated with underlying soft tissue damage or have an area less than 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.).,The Veteran’s residual scar on his right side of the face does not meet any of the characteristics of disfigurement.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic renal failure, headaches, left knee joint osteoarthritis, right knee scars, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. The AOJ must obtain any outstanding records from SSA and private providers, as well as VA treatment records. A new VA examination is also required for each of these conditions to ensure an accurate assessment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right shoulder bursitis, left knee disability, and left shoulder bursitis, precluded him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from November 6, 2006 to December 23, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for shin splints in both lower extremities, right shoulder post-operative scar (Diagnostic Code 7802), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been denied. The Veteran also has had his initial disability ratings for a right shoulder post-operative scar (Diagnostic Codes 7802 and 7804), left fifth finger fracture, and right elbow strain denied.,The Veteran's service connection claim for a cervical spine strain was granted.

The Veteran's overpayment of VA compensation benefits is waived due to the validity of the debt and the determination that recovery would be against equity and good conscience.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection for scars secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the earliest effective date was November 27, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for right upper jugular metastasis from left palate squamous cell carcinoma and a rating of 10 percent for post-surgical scar excision/high grade myxofibrosarcoma of the right thigh associated with herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives, and is now required to obtain an addendum opinion from the Director of Compensation Services regarding a single extra-schedular rating for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for right eye disability and retinal scarring due to a lack of STRs, as they were destroyed in 1973. The Veteran contends that his current condition is related to an injury during basic training where he fell from a height onto nails.

The Board has remanded several issues for further examination and opinion, including service connection claims related to various musculoskeletal conditions, hearing loss, vision loss, and skin conditions. The heart condition claim was denied as there is no evidence of a current heart condition or any relationship to service.

The Veteran's ear scars are rated at a 10 percent disability rating effective September 23, 2019. Prior to that date, the scars were painful and warrant a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has vacated the July 8, 2019 decision denying service connection for squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma with scarring due to new evidence not considered at that time. The appeal is dismissed without prejudice as the Veteran died before a final determination could be made.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for further medical evaluation and opinion regarding the etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD claim was denied for a rating in excess of 70 percent. His ossification of the right ankle and laceration scar of the right foot claims were also denied, but his heart disability and left knee disability claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for radiation proctocolitis and a rating in excess of 10 percent for his residual testicular surgical scar. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address these issues.,Service connection for the Veteran’s claimed conditions will be remanded, as well as an evaluation of his current disability ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence that suggests his back, nasal, and ankle conditions may be related to service. The Veteran will need to undergo additional examinations to determine if these conditions are indeed linked to his military service.