Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for allergic rhinitis, non-linear scarring of the left lower extremity, linear scars due to skin cancer removal, and scarring of the nose and neck have all been denied. The evidence does not support an increased rating in any period on appeal.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's tick bite infection, scar, and any residuals of the injury. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The bilateral knee disability and left forearm scar claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, and he is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another. The issues regarding service connection for Parkinson’s disease and sleep apnea secondary to PTSD have not yet been adjudicated.

The Veteran's scar on his left buttock is rated at 10 percent due to pain, but not instability. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under DC 7804.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment. The hypertension claim is remanded for a medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the nature and extent of his service-connected residuals of cellulitis, other than scars. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (secondary to service-connected disability) and a compensable rating for residuals of cellulitis, other than scars are also remanded.

The Veteran's rating for malignant melanoma surgical scars was reduced from 100% to noncompensable, and the Board has determined that this reduction is not ready for appellate review. The matter is REMANDED for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to perform daily activities of living without the assistance of another, and he is granted SMC for aid and attendance from another person.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his lumbosacral strain residuals, forehead scar, and lower extremity radiculopathy have been remanded due to the need for further evaluation. The TDIU claim is also pending.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a rating of 70 percent, effective July 14, 2016. The effective date for the higher rating remains pending as it is based on the filing of a noninitial claim.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for hiatal hernia is denied.,The petition to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), to include as secondary to hiatal hernia, is denied.,The petition to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for surgical scars secondary to hiatal hernia, based on the receipt of new and material evidence, is denied.,The petition to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, based on the receipt of new and material evidence, is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder, right hip and knee disabilities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU due to the combined effect of these disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 13, 2015.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including degenerative arthritis and scars from a patellectomy, is rated at 30% for the entire appeal period. The Veteran also receives a 10% rating for his service-connected right knee scars. Additionally, the Veteran is granted TDIU benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 1, 2011. The Board has granted TDIU from that date.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including a scar on the chest, athlete's foot, arthritis of multiple joints, dental disorder, dry eye syndrome, left and right hand nerve disorders, sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, depression, enlarged prostate/benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH), frostbite, and PTSD. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or any other relevant factors.,The Veteran's claims for various disabilities were denied as there was insufficient evidence to support the assertions of in-service onset or a link between current disability and service.

Service connection is granted for neck and back disabilities, as well as residuals from excision of a ganglion cyst on the right index finger. Service connection is also granted for post-fracture neuralgia of the left little toe.,The Veteran's claims are all supported by medical opinions linking her current conditions to her military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for scalp scar, left knee strain with osteoarthritis, and tension headaches are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.