Scars Board decisions

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for all issues, including the claims for higher ratings for various conditions and a TDIU. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to review these matters.

The Veteran's status post melanoma in SITU of the left shoulder with radical excision and asymptomatic scar is not considered disabling under applicable diagnostic codes, as there are no other effects not considered in a rating provided under Diagnostic Codes 7800-04. The disability does not impair the function of the left shoulder.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the July 2018 examination report and a need for additional examinations. The Veteran's right knee disability, including his scar associated with total knee replacement, needs further evaluation.

The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hand condition and numbness/scar on the 2nd toe of the left foot due to exposure to cold temperatures during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on several service-connected conditions has been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's left inguinal hernia and ventral hernia disabilities have been restored to their previous ratings of 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively, effective October 1, 2013.

The Veteran's scar on his right hip is found to be painful and meets the criteria for a 10% evaluation under DC 7804.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current scars, including loss of skin pigmentation on his right forearm, are related to a salabrasion procedure he underwent in service for removing tattoos. As such, the claim is granted.

The Board dismissed the appeals for initial compensable ratings for various conditions as the appellant requested withdrawal of these issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and a compensable rating are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities is rated at 40 percent since July 26, 2017. The Veteran's residual scars from removal of basal cell carcinoma are rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the reopening of claims for service connection for various conditions due to lack of new and material evidence, as the submitted evidence was cumulative or redundant.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for right arm and left finger scars was denied. The Board also found that the Veteran’s service connection claims for residual burn scars of the right arm and left finger, as well as his right knee disorder, were not granted due to lack of evidence supporting these claims. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, Meniere’s disease, and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected right knee ACL rupture and meniscal tear due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate is denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's folliculitis decalvans and related conditions are being remanded for further evaluation, including consideration of painful scars under DC 7804 and the appropriateness of separate ratings under DC 7800 and DC 7806.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including headaches, surgical scars of the low back, right lower extremity radiculopathy, degenerative disc and joint disease of the low back, left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), and PTSD. The remand includes obtaining updated VA treatment records, conducting new examinations to determine the nature and cause of the Veteran's disabilities, and providing a new rating for his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's bilateral foot scars are granted a 10 percent rating, and his bilateral pes planus is denied an extraschedular rating. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for further examination and review of his medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding private treatment records and the need for additional medical opinions regarding his back, hip, knee, and arthritis disabilities as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder.