Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected conditions result in loss of use of both lower extremities, requiring her to rely on a walker or wheelchair for mobility. The Board has granted eligibility for specially adapted housing due to this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right middle finger scar was denied as there is no current evidence of such a condition.,Service connection for a left hand disability and GERD were also denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound due to a lack of evidence showing she is in need of regular aid and assistance or permanently housebound.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's breast cancer, breast scar, hip scar, and anxiety disorder, all of which are related to her exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability ratings for left forearm injury with scar and left third, fourth, and fifth finger condition with scars are denied.,The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for neck injury and sprain, left elbow condition with a scar, arthritis of the hands, and arthritis of the ankles.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection and effective dates for various conditions, including follicular infection on the head and chest, right and left knee disorders, headaches, muscle and joint pain, neurological disorder, respiratory disorder, sleep disorder, gastrointestinal condition, carpal tunnel syndrome, and major depressive disorder. The Veteran is also requested to provide additional medical records and undergo examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of nose surgery and a separate rating for residual painful scar of left inguinal hernia repair is denied. The effective date for the 10 percent rating for the latter condition is set at April 29, 2013.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a scar on the back of the head, and migraine headaches as these conditions are not shown to have been incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the claims for left and right leg periostitis, status post fasciotomy with knee compartment syndrome.

The Veteran's claims for residual acne scarring of the face and back, as well as hematochezia due to undiagnosed illness, have been granted. The conditions are considered new and material based on evidence submitted after the initial denial.

The Veteran's peptic ulcer disease with scarring of duodenal bulb is being remanded for a VA examination to address the nature and impairment associated with the service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected foot disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, as his combined disability rating is only 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to use of custom insoles/sling supports was denied as shoes are not classified as articles of 'clothing' that can be damaged by wear and tear for purposes of a VA clothing allowance.

The Veteran's service connection claims for multiple disabilities were denied, and the effective dates assigned are not earlier than February 27, 2017.,VA did not grant an earlier effective date for SMC at the housebound rate as the Veteran did not have a single service-connected disability rated at 100% prior to February 27, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for multiple conditions resulting from the Veteran's in-service motor vehicle accident, including limitations of thigh movement and injuries to various body parts.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and a scar of the anterior trunk, associated with furunculosis are being remanded due to his failure to appear for VA examinations. He is required to provide updated medical records and undergo further evaluations.

The Veteran's right leg scar is rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds no basis for a higher rating due to lack of unstable or painful scars.,The Veteran's neurological disability of the right foot prior to May 1, 2016 is rated as non-compensable. The Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on mild incomplete paralysis.,From May 1, 2016 onwards, the Veteran's neurological disability of the right foot is rated at 10 percent due to moderate incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated as 10 percent. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating based on marked limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension are related to his service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examination to determine the current manifestations of her service-connected total hysterectomy and abdominal adhesions, residual effects of hysterectomy.,The Veteran seeks higher ratings for her painful surgical scar due to hysterectomy, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood due to hysterectomy, and abdominal adhesions. The case is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with depression and anxiety disability is rated at 70 percent since May 16, 2014. The issue of an increased rating for prostate disability (benign prostatic hypertrophy) remains on appeal.,The Veteran’s right hip arthroplasty scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.