Scars Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed for the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities due to incomplete examination records and the need to assess functional impairment during flare-ups. The claims are being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for clarification of diagnoses and treatment.

The Board has remanded the claims for low back disorder, pulmonary fibrosis, scars to the left arm and shoulder, facial scars, and PTSD due to potential service connection issues.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right and left ankle bone chips, status post-surgical repair with scars due to a lack of an opinion on functional loss during flare-ups and repetitive use.

The Veteran's claims for depression, left wrist pain, and right wrist scar have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence. The decision is mixed as some issues are granted while others are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for malignant melanoma and a disfiguring scar, right lower back. The Veteran contends that his conditions are related to military service, specifically sun exposure in service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his left thumb scar is granted. The previously denied claims of service connection for bilateral knee disabilities and lumbar strain are reopened, but the issues related to these conditions are remanded for further development.

An effective date of May 20, 2014 for a 50 percent disability rating for migraines is granted.,An effective date of May 20, 2014 for a 20 percent disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted. The periumbilical scar secondary to service-connected scar status post tubal litigation also receives an effective date of May 20, 2014.

The Board denied service connection for acne with scarring and unspecified anxiety/depressive disorders, finding that the Veteran's conditions existed prior to his military service and did not undergo an increase in severity during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye condition secondary to his service-connected residuals, small cell carcinoma of the lung has been reopened and remanded. The Veteran also had two other issues related to PTSD and employment that were remanded.,A higher evaluation for PTSD was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 50% or higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee disability, and an initial compensable rating for right knee scars. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including panic disorder, lumbar spondylosis-status post spinal fusion, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and other conditions, prevent her from maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for dental condition, lumbar spine disorder, right ankle disorder, and right ear hearing loss due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is granted as a result of presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.,The Veteran's scar above the left eye is granted based on direct evidence linking it to an in-service injury.,The Veteran's respiratory disorder (shortness of breath) is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for headaches is granted.,The Veteran's service connection claims for a left fibrocystic breast lump and left breast scar are denied.,The Veteran's initial compensable rating claim for recurrent pharyngitis is granted, with a 10% rating.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased evaluations are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and evaluation of his service-connected residuals other than post-surgical scar, status post removal of the left testicle, and deviated septum.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, effective October 20, 2015. The new and material evidence issue regarding bilateral hearing loss has been recharacterized to reflect the new evidentiary standard under the AMA. The left knee increased rating appeal is denied as there is no severe instability of the left knee. Service connection for Parkinson’s disease, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, diabetic retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy are all remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as she does not have any current residuals from her cesarean section other than a surgical scar.