Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's initial rating for TKA of the left knee was denied, but a 10 percent rating as of April 23, 2019, was granted for a tender scar. The Veteran also received an initial compensable rating prior to April 23, 2019, for a scar of the left knee.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for scars of the hands was denied as his scars did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.,Service connection for rupture of right Achilles tendon with residuals was also denied, as there is no current diagnosis and the examiner opined that the injury less likely than not occurred in service.

The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand directives and has therefore ordered a new VA examination for the Veteran's dry skin, scars, and dermatitis claims.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly adjudicate the claims of service connection for various conditions, including a left hand scar and psychiatric disorders. The appellant will be asked to provide additional details about her husband's in-service injuries and medical records will be sought.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, heart disease disability, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, respiratory condition, and upper torso left side scar associated with lung surgery due to potential herbicide exposure. The AOJ is instructed to obtain deck logs from USS Ranger and USS Hancock (CVA-19) and determine if they were within 12 nautical miles of Vietnam during the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to lack of functional limitation.,The Veteran’s right wrist scar is rated at 0 percent as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7805.,The Veteran's left knee surgical scars are also rated at 0 percent, with no evidence showing disabling effects or loss of function.

The Board has dismissed all three issues in the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of her appeals.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to evaluations in excess of 10 percent for right and left iliotibial band syndrome, hearing loss, TMJ disability, and service connection for a left foot, right foot, left ankle, left hand, low back, and left shoulder disabilities have all been dismissed.,A compensable evaluation for headaches has been granted from October 10, 2019.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the appellant's right inguinal hernia and associated scar are related to service, specifically basic training in July 1998.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, a rating in excess of 30 percent for tinea versicolor on the shoulder, upper back, and chest, a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain with degenerative joint disease, status post ACL reconstruction with hardware, and an initial compensable rating for left knee scar are now pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as of April 26, 2016. The Board granted an effective date of April 26, 2016 for the TDIU.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for scars, post-operative, bilateral gynecomastia and bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's current chest disability is believed to be related to his in-service surgical treatment to correct his bilateral gynecomastia.

The Board has granted service connection for post-surgical scars of the low back, secondary to service-connected spinal stenosis. However, the claim for a bilateral lower extremity disability is remanded due to inadequate examination findings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of one automobile or other conveyance and/or automobile adaptive equipment due to issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including right knee disability, lumbosacral radiculitis, and bilateral high frequency sensorineural hearing loss. The decision is pending further development.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his service-connected residual scars of the left foot is remanded due to evidence suggesting worsening symptoms since the last VA examination.

The Board dismissed all appeals related to the veteran's claims for various disabilities and benefits, including a rating for surgical scars of the left knee, service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists, SMC based on aid or attendance or housebound status, and TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for higher initial ratings for right hand and scars disabilities, as well as left foot strain. The Veteran's service-connected conditions have worsened since the last VA examinations, warranting further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus the Board has granted TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee scar, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service injury during combat.