Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for scar, status post surgical treatment of malignant intestinal neoplasm was denied. The issues of service connection for a bilateral hand disorder and an initial compensable evaluation for intestinal tubulovillous adenoma cancer were remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment prior to June 30, 2014. The effective date for TDIU is denied as the Veteran met the schedular requirements for entitlement to TDIU after that date.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including Crohn's disease and its related complications, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Crohn's disease.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found no legal basis for the assigned schedular evaluations, effective dates, or determinations regarding service connection.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, NOS was restored to a 30 percent rating. The reduction in the disability rating for residual facial scars from laser hair removal was denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for ulcer disease and keratectomy scar from pterygium surgery. The Veteran will need to undergo new examinations to assess the current severity of his conditions, including whether he now has symptoms such as anemia or edema.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves in both lower extremities and his right hand deformity with limitation of motion, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective July 19, 2017.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as he is capable of performing the physical and mental acts required by, at least, employment that has less interaction with people.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of substantial compliance with its January 2018 decision, specifically regarding the adjudication of a claim for clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in rating decisions from April 1970, April 1971, and June 1979. The CUE claim could affect the earlier effective date claim.

The Veteran's initial rating for service-connected lumbosacral spine DDD status-post fusion with scar was granted at a 40 percent disability level, effective from the date of service connection.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's loss of teeth dental disability is not due to in-service trauma or disease, and therefore denied service connection. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and scar on upper lip are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are being remanded as there are outstanding treatment records that have not yet been associated with the claims file.,Further examination and opinion may be needed to determine if any of the claimed disabilities are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further development. The issues include right forearm post-surgery residuals, heart condition (including bypass surgery), and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for left bicep tendon rupture, medical anterior left upper arm scar, and adjustment disorder have been withdrawn.,Service connection has not been granted for the Veteran's claimed left shoulder disability, low back disability, or left hip disability.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for speech disability, vision disability, and memory disability. The left fifth metacarpal post-fracture and scarring on both hands have been evaluated as noncompensable.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a stroke, scar tissue of the left eye, and an eye disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected diabetes mellitus.,The Board also noted discrepancies in the Veteran’s testimony regarding his current diagnoses.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus and coronary artery disease, are of sufficient severity to produce unemployability from November 9, 2010. The Board finds that the Veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating under VA regulations.,The Veteran's left inguinal hernia has been rated as non-compensable due to lack of recurrent or unoperated irremediable condition.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea had its onset during service and is granted. The Board also found that the Veteran has right knee, ankle, and foot disorders, a right wrist condition (including ganglion cyst and carpal tunnel syndrome), hemorrhoids, a scar on his thigh, and residuals of skin cancer of the left cheek/nose, all related to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as his service-connected disabilities have required him to rely heavily on his wife for assistance with daily activities. The issue of entitlement to SMC on account of being housebound is moot due to the grant of SMC for aid and attendance.