Scars Board decisions

An initial 10 percent rating for scars, post-fistula repair, partial colectomy and small bowel resection is granted.,A 30 percent rating for chronic right gluteal fistula is granted from April 18, 2016 to May 16, 2018.,A 60 percent rating for chronic right gluteal fistula is granted as of May 17, 2018.

The Veteran is granted a 10 percent rating for his service-connected left arm burn scar, which measures less than 6 square inches and causes intermittent pain.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected, and he is also granted increased ratings for his osteoarthritis of the left hand with post-traumatic changes of the left little finger and scar of the left fifth finger.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure. The issues of secondary service connection for incontinence, impotency, and scars are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding his eyes and a VA examination to assess his gout. The issues of service connection for the eyes and for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for gout are now before the Board.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his claim for a residual post-operative scar behind the left ear is remanded.,The Veteran has not been provided with adequate medical examinations to evaluate his claims.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected right little finger strain is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and potential extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service connection claim for scars, residuals of malignant fibrous histiocytoma, secondary to herbicide exposure is granted due to the current evidence being at least in equipoise with the possibility that his condition was caused by or related to his in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to outstanding treatment records from a United States Army health care center, as well as the need for VA examinations for his right knee disability and skin condition.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, hypertension, back disability, right shin splint disorder, left shin splint disorder, ingrown toenails, seizure disorder, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), and bilateral ear keratosis obturans have all been denied.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for the right middle finger laceration scar has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for acne prior to February 19, 2016, and for scarring associated with her acne as of August 1, 2014, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support ratings higher than 10 percent for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to incomplete development of evidence, including a need for additional VA examinations. The Veteran is also required to provide authorization for any outstanding treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee, postoperative with scars and for entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to lack of recent VA examinations and incomplete medical records. The issues are intertwined as the TDIU claim is dependent on the outcome of the increased rating claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete service personnel records, which are needed to substantiate his claim of active service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations, which need to be supplemented with additional information.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim for heel spurs and granted service connection for hammertoes, chronic pain of the toes, and foot scarring. The case is remanded to determine if other diagnosed foot disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, major depressive disorder, cognitive disorder, and TBI, as well as residuals from scars on the forehead, are remanded due to lack of prior formal or informal application.

The Veteran's initial 10 percent rating for a scar of the right lower extremity and a 50 percent rating for bilateral pes planus have been granted. The appeal is remanded for further consideration on whether to grant TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, alone, were not of sufficient severity to render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. Therefore, TDIU was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and development to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, chronic cough, abdominal pain, varicocele scar, and appendix scar. The claims will be reviewed based on the new evidence obtained.