Scars decisions — 2018

The Veteran's umbilical hernia with post-surgical scar is rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there are no symptoms of considerable or severe impairment to health.

The Board has determined that the service-connected cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension and microvascular coronary disease with hypertension, contributed to the Veteran's death. As a result, service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death is granted.

The Veteran's claims for initial noncompensable rating for scar of the right flank and a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain are being remanded due to procedural issues.

The Board has granted service connection for facial and left elbow scars, but denied service connection for loss of taste and dental disability.

The Veteran's left elbow scar is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for an unstable or painful scar.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right ankle disability, neurological disability of the right foot, and right leg scar status post right lower leg fasciotomy due to insufficient evidence regarding range of motion testing and current severity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and he is now service-connected for various conditions. However, further evidence is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service personnel records and a need for clarification from the Department of Defense regarding whether the Veteran's disabilities were incurred in combat zones or during combat-related operations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the issues of bilateral hearing loss, scar on the brain, and dental trauma. The Board dismissed these claims as a result.

The Veteran's service-connected scars from a gunshot wound to the chest are rated at 20 percent, effective November 20, 2014. The Board found that the scars meet the criteria for a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7801.

The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU, but the case is remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case regarding an earlier effective date for additional dependency allowance for a spouse.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a dental disorder is denied. The Veteran's burn scars are rated at 10% since January 25, 2011.

The Veteran's left thumb scar is currently rated as noncompensable prior to September 26, 2016 and 10 percent thereafter. The VA examiner found significant decreased grip strength in the left hand and numbness in the thumb. A remand is ordered for a VA peripheral nerves examination.

The Board denied service connection for the appellant's thoracolumbar disability, broken nose, facial scars, TBI residuals, and loss of teeth as they were not incurred in line of duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy, are rated at a combined 90 percent. The Board finds that these conditions preclude the Veteran from participating in substantially gainful employment due to their severity.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and a review of his service-connected disabilities, particularly his TBI and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to a previous Court decision that found the TDIU claim had not been raised by the record. The Veteran is service-connected for genitourinary tuberculosis, painful scar residuals from heminephrectomy, and erectile dysfunction. The combined rating is 60 percent. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU but raises the issue of unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities. The case is referred to the Director, Compensation and Pension Service, for consideration of the assignment of TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, and other conditions, prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) beginning January 5, 2010.

The Veteran's TDIU rating is granted as of August 28, 2006, based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU rating is granted as of August 28, 2006, based on his service-connected disabilities.