Scars decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the award of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied. The effective date will be fixed in accordance with the facts found, but shall not be earlier than June 12, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of permanent and total disability with loss or use of one lower extremity.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but the Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's service-connected painful scars and linear scars are currently rated as non-compensable. The Board has also found that a compensable rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's vitiligo was granted service connection as it is related to his active military service.,An initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis with deviated septum status post septorhinoplasty is denied because the disability has not been manifested by at least polyps or without polyps but with greater than 50 percent nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and his application for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for all issues, including the claims for higher ratings for various conditions and a TDIU. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to review these matters.

The Veteran's status post melanoma in SITU of the left shoulder with radical excision and asymptomatic scar is not considered disabling under applicable diagnostic codes, as there are no other effects not considered in a rating provided under Diagnostic Codes 7800-04. The disability does not impair the function of the left shoulder.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the July 2018 examination report and a need for additional examinations. The Veteran's right knee disability, including his scar associated with total knee replacement, needs further evaluation.

The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hand condition and numbness/scar on the 2nd toe of the left foot due to exposure to cold temperatures during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on several service-connected conditions has been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's left inguinal hernia and ventral hernia disabilities have been restored to their previous ratings of 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively, effective October 1, 2013.

The Veteran's scar on his right hip is found to be painful and meets the criteria for a 10% evaluation under DC 7804.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current scars, including loss of skin pigmentation on his right forearm, are related to a salabrasion procedure he underwent in service for removing tattoos. As such, the claim is granted.

The Board dismissed the appeals for initial compensable ratings for various conditions as the appellant requested withdrawal of these issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and a compensable rating are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities is rated at 40 percent since July 26, 2017. The Veteran's residual scars from removal of basal cell carcinoma are rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the reopening of claims for service connection for various conditions due to lack of new and material evidence, as the submitted evidence was cumulative or redundant.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for right arm and left finger scars was denied. The Board also found that the Veteran’s service connection claims for residual burn scars of the right arm and left finger, as well as his right knee disorder, were not granted due to lack of evidence supporting these claims. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, Meniere’s disease, and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected right knee ACL rupture and meniscal tear due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate is denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his service-connected disabilities.