Scars Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete Statement of the Case (SOC) for the issue of entitlement to an earlier effective date for service connection for scar associated with residuals of removal of right testicle. The Veteran needs a complete SOC before this matter can be decided.

The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis is presumed to have existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service.,The Veteran’s left shoulder, forearm sprain, and mandible disabilities are rated under the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for post-operative residuals of left (minor) ACJ separation was granted, with the effective date set at May 5, 2009.,A separate compensable rating for painful surgical scar residual was granted effective September 22, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus have been denied.,Service connection has also been denied for obstructive sleep apnea. The Board found that the current OSA did not have its onset during service.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for bilateral cataracts was granted. Service connection for tinnitus is also granted, and both eye issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations.,The Veteran's left knee postoperative scar is currently rated at noncompensable, and no higher rating is warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's bilateral inguinal hernias, post-laparoscopic repair with mesh and associated scars, are rated at a 20 percent disability rating.

The appeal of the denial of an increased rating for hearing loss is dismissed.,The petition to reopen the claim of service connection for low back disability, left eye disability, and skin disability are granted. Service connection for left eye disability is also granted.,Entitlement to service connection for depressive disorder, vascular disease including hypertension, Raynaud's syndrome, headaches, low back disability, neuropathy of the left lower extremity, neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and a compensable rating for right forehead scar are remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to extraschedular ratings for chronic pelvic pain, prostate cancer residuals, prostatectomy scar, and erectile dysfunction due to unresolved development needs.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection and increased ratings in all remaining claims, including bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, GERD, and a hernia repair scar. The Board has dismissed the appeal as per the Veteran's wishes.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected left and right foot scars associated with post-surgery for hammertoes. The examiner should provide complete findings regarding the size, instability, pain, and limitation of function caused by the scars.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for disability compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to concerns about carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill by VA during surgery.

The Veteran's scars, which are service-connected, were found to be painful but not unstable prior to January 8, 2019. After that date, the scars remained painful but there was no evidence of instability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period from October 14, 2009 to June 26, 2012. The Board granted TDIU during this period.

The Veteran's ventral hernia and hernial scar are not service-connected as they were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected left kidney nephrectomy.,Right kidney failure is not service-connected as there is no evidence of the condition during the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has remanded the case to determine if an extra-schedular TDIU rating is warranted.

The Veteran's larynx cancer treatment ended in June 2009, and he is currently not undergoing any specific therapeutic procedures for his condition. Therefore, a compensable rating for larynx cancer is denied.

The Board has determined that the medical expenses incurred at Macon County General Hospital on July 21, 2012 were eligible for reimbursement due to the nature of the emergency and the unavailability of a VA facility.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the death of the appellant.