Scars Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin cancer is primarily due to sun exposure during service, and has granted service connection for basal cell carcinoma and residual scars.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as his substantive appeals were not timely filed, and thus the case was closed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with her education and experience.

The rating reduction from 20 percent to 10 percent for cervical spine strain with degenerative arthritis status post C2 fracture was improper, and the 20 percent rating is restored.,Entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected a fracture of the right radial styloid is denied.,Entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected hypertensive heart disease with left ventricular dysfunction and an ejection fraction greater than 50 percent but less than 7 METs resulting in relevant symptomatology is denied.,Entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected anxiety is denied.,Entitlement to a compensable disability rating for service-connected right wrist scar is denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for scars of the left upper extremity and a left rotator cuff tear is remanded due to insufficient evidence. The VA will obtain additional medical records, schedule the Veteran for an examination, and consider any new information provided.

The Veteran's appeal involves three issues: service connection for a respiratory disorder, early menopause due to radiation exposure, and a pilonidal cystectomy scar on the buttocks. The Board has determined that further development is needed in all three cases.,Specifically, the VA needs to provide an examination or obtain additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current conditions are related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance or housebound rate, eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing, and eligibility for a special home adaptation grant due to conflicting evidence of record regarding her service-connected disabilities' impact on her ability to perform activities of daily living.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claims for service connection for right knee strain and bilateral shin splints, but has remanded several other issues including back disability, residuals of broken toes, left inguinal hernia repair scar, and left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's right calf strain was granted service connection and a 10 percent rating for his left ring finger scar. The remaining issues were remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical strain and a surgical scar were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Codes 5237 or 7800.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected postoperative neck scars, left ilium graft of right knee and shoulder, residuals of a right shoulder injury, cervical spine disability, and TDIU. The claim for lumbar spine disability was reopened but not granted.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to missing records and unclear specific contentions regarding the incorrect payments made. The AOJ needs to provide detailed explanations of compensation awards, clarify terms like 'gross rate replacement', and request further information from the Veteran.

The appeal is being remanded due to non-compliance with the January 2018 Remand directives. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining a new VA addendum opinion addressing the combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of chronic hearing loss during or within one year after service.,The Veteran's claim for TBI is denied as the VA examiner found no relationship between his current complaints and events experienced in service.

The Veteran's fatigue as a residual of his squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsillar fossa is granted a separate rating.,His hyposmia does not warrant an increased rating, as it has been rated at 10 percent since January 9, 2006.,His hypogeusia remains at 10 percent since January 9, 2006.,The post surgical scar on the left side of the neck is granted a disability rating of 30 percent effective from January 9, 2006.,The painful status post surgical scar on the left side of the neck remains at 10 percent since January 9, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms cause moderate occupational and social impairment, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with hemochromatosis, which may be related to his service-connected liver injury. Additional medical records are needed to determine if this condition is service connected.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial, compensable rating for service-connected painful scars of the right knee was dismissed as he withdrew his claim.,The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for left knee disability was denied because no new and material evidence was submitted after the July 2008 Board decision.,The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for radiculopathy with nerve involvement affecting bilateral lower extremities was denied as his claim was implicitly denied in the July 2008 Board decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for lumbar strain and bilateral plantar fasciitis were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and providing a new psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has granted a clothing allowance for the left wrist splint used to treat service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome. The right wrist splint, bilateral knee braces, and menthol/methyl salicylate topical medication are denied as they do not meet the criteria for an annual clothing allowance.