Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's death was ruled due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and low back pain with degenerative disc disease. The Board found that the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s) were met as there was a single service-connected disability rated as total (PTSD) and an additional disability independently ratable at 60 percent (low back pain with degenerative disc disease).

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital on September 15, 2009 are now eligible for reimbursement as the emergency treatment was provided in a hospital emergency department and the Veteran had received care under authority of 38 U.S.C. Chapter 17 within the 24-month period preceding the furnishing of such emergency treatment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for an additional VA examination to determine the effect of his service-connected disabilities on his employability. The examiner must consider the Veteran's complaints of constant pain and occurrences of immobility due to his bilateral leg disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and addressing the rating of pancreatitis as part of his service-connected residuals of small intestine resection with scarred duodenal bulb.

The Veteran's residual scar on his right leg, resulting from exostosis removal, is currently rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examinations. The claims will be reconsidered after the completion of these actions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right foot disabilities are being remanded to the AOJ due to the need for additional VA examinations and development of records.

The Veteran seeks an initial compensable evaluation for his service-connected laceration right distal interphalangeal joint 5th finger with scar. The current noncompensable rating is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety NOS and PTSD, is granted. The claim for wounds from shrapnel to the left wrist and upper middle chest remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including COPD and back disorders, have rendered her unable to maintain substantially gainful employment consistent with her education and occupational background.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD and her major depressive disorder is not service-connected.,Bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and scars (bilateral knee) are not service-connected.

The Veteran's neurodermatitis is rated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board finds no evidence of service connection for any respiratory disability, prostate disability, or cognitive disability. Service connection for PTSD and a shrapnel wound to the neck are granted. No special monthly compensation or TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his left neck puncture wound scar, as it met criteria for a 30 percent rating.,Service connection was also denied for swelling of the mouth with difficulty speaking, as there is no evidence linking this condition to service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU as of August 11, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities. The case is also remanded for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU prior to August 11, 2015 and issuance of a SOC regarding the issue of entitlement to a TTE based on a service-connected disability requiring a period of convalescence following February 2016 surgery.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his painful left wrist scar and residuals of a left forearm fracture to include peripheral neuropathy were denied as the symptoms do not warrant higher schedular ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and injuries from gunshot wounds to his left thigh and shoulder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is warranted.

The Veteran's scar from the excision of a benign cyst on his right upper arm is stable, not painful, and does not cause any functional limitation. Therefore, he is not entitled to an increased rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right eye disorders, including a corneal scar, traumatic cataract, and traumatic glaucoma, were not incurred in or aggravated by his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic disability of the left eye, tinnitus, or an acquired psychiatric disability that was incurred in or aggravated by active duty service.