Scars decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's scars were initially assigned a noncompensable rating, effective December 7, 2010, and a 10 percent rating, effective May 24, 2016. The Board found no basis for a compensable rating prior to May 24, 2016, or in excess of 10 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's diabetes was rated as 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7913. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus at any time during the appellate period.,Diabetic neuropathy of the left foot and right foot were each rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 8520, which pertains to neuralgia of the sciatic nerve. The Board found no basis for a higher rating for diabetic neuropathy of either foot.,PTSD was remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not render him incapable of performing daily activities or require regular aid and attendance. The Board denied SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to insufficient evidence of current disability severity. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to assess her service-connected right foot scars and sensory neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person due to his inability to dress, undress, or bathe himself as a result of his disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, right hand scar, and nonspecific skin lesions due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ulcerative colitis and left ankle degenerative joint disease with surgical fusion and ankylosis, are deemed to render him unemployable. The Board has granted TDIU on a schedular basis due to the combined rating of 90 percent for his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeals seeking initial compensable ratings for various conditions have been dismissed.,Initial rating higher than 10 percent for glaucoma, left wrist scar residual, and sinusitis are also dismissed.

The Veteran's right elbow scar and PTSD have been rated, but the ratings are denied. The right elbow scar is not compensable, while the PTSD rating remains at 50 percent.

The Board has found that the Veteran required regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including PVD and diabetes. However, additional development is needed to determine if other conditions such as psychiatric disorder or coronary artery disease also rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus due to withdrawal. The remaining claims are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's request for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right ankle sprain and dislocation status post surgery with scar was denied. The Board also found that the evidence did not support service connection for lumbosacral strain (low back pain) or sinus condition, as the VA examinations were inadequate.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and his right shin scar with acute osteomyelitis is rated at 10 percent. The case for service connection of bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and TDIU is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for left eye scar and sleep apnea due to insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again with a VA examination.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD and additional service-connected disabilities rated at 60 percent or more. SMC at the housebound rate is also granted from January 1, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development of her medical records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions were denied, with the effective date being October 11, 2013.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection for PTSD, TDIU, and SMC based on housebound. The Veteran's claims were not granted as the evidence did not show entitlement to these benefits prior to the specified dates.

The Veteran's restrictive lung disease is characterized by some exertional dyspnea, but does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 6844.,The Veteran's penile deformity with loss of urinary control has been assigned the maximum schedular rating (20%) and no higher.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling appropriate examinations to address the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.,The Veteran has multiple issues on appeal that require further examination and review.