Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities preclude substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial evaluations for various foot conditions, including left tarsal tunnel syndrome and diffuse idiopathic hyperostosis of the lumbar spine, were denied. The Board found no evidence linking any current disabilities to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of current disability for these conditions as defined by VA standards. For his right hand condition with carpal tunnel, the Board finds in favor of the Veteran based on credible lay statements regarding the onset and continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's traumatic head injury, scars on his head and nose, and vision problems. The claims are being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee scar disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran's service-connected left foot plantar fasciitis with left heel spur does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claim can be decided, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed respiratory disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been granted an initial compensable rating of 30 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The right hand scar has also been increased to a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran is granted a 20 percent disability rating for post-operative ventral and umbilical hernia from April 1, 2010. The Veteran's scars, status post umbilical hernia repair and residual non-linear surgical scars are not rated higher due to lack of disabling effects or limitation of function.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not preclude him from securing substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's migraines are related to her active duty service and she is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's service-connected shrapnel wound scar on his left leg is granted, and he receives a 30 percent evaluation for PTSD.,PTSD symptoms have not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus the criteria for TDIU have not been met.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, conducting a VA examination, and assessing his functional limitations due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for left hand scar is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a new VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his skin condition of the feet, abdominal scar, and PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for PTSD and service connection for a chin scar as there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals regarding the appropriate disability ratings for cataracts and left knee arthritis with scar are pending. The claim for SMC based on the need for aid and assistance or being housebound is also pending, but will be deferred until these issues are resolved.

The Veteran seeks a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, but additional development is needed to fully assess the impact of these conditions on his ability to work.

The Veteran's left wrist disability is rated at the maximum allowable under current criteria, and he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claims for PTSD and migraine headaches are granted with initial ratings of 30 percent each.