Scars decisions — 2019

The Veteran's folliculitis decalvans and related conditions are being remanded for further evaluation, including consideration of painful scars under DC 7804 and the appropriateness of separate ratings under DC 7800 and DC 7806.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including headaches, surgical scars of the low back, right lower extremity radiculopathy, degenerative disc and joint disease of the low back, left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), and PTSD. The remand includes obtaining updated VA treatment records, conducting new examinations to determine the nature and cause of the Veteran's disabilities, and providing a new rating for his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's bilateral foot scars are granted a 10 percent rating, and his bilateral pes planus is denied an extraschedular rating. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for further examination and review of his medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding private treatment records and the need for additional medical opinions regarding his back, hip, knee, and arthritis disabilities as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary due to the Veteran's complaints of intense pain and functional impairment. The issues on appeal are related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, including its residuals.

The appeals for evaluations of facial scars and muscle impairment, as well as service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, vision problems, and sexual dysfunction are dismissed. The issues of service connection for vision problems and sexual dysfunction are remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence on the issues of service connection for lumbar spine condition and bilateral knee condition, as well as entitlement to a compensable rating for cervical spine scar.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for earlier effective dates for service connection of various conditions. The claim to reopen a previously denied back disorder is remanded and requires further examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his left ankle disability and inguinal hernia scar due to insufficient evidence in support of these claims.

The Board has remanded the claim for a retrospective opinion regarding the impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to May 24, 2013. The claim is also remanded due to outstanding VA Vocational Rehabilitation records that have not been considered.

The Board dismissed all issues related to initial ratings for various hip conditions as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and examination, including service connection for myoclonus, initial rating increases for hip disabilities, a higher rating for the left knee disability, and TDIU. The Veteran's claims are pending resolution.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and the claim for burial benefits is denied due to untimely filing.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss, transient ischemic attack (TIA) with chest pain, hypertension, type II diabetes, mad cow disease, and head scars have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for arthritis due to cold weather has been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating assignments for various conditions, including gout, a skin condition, left foot osteoarthritis, scars from surgery, hallux valgus, migraine headaches, and sleep apnea. The appeals were either not about service connection or did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and residuals of a fractured right tibia and fibula, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Major Depression, TBI, Posttraumatic Headaches, Right Patellar Tendonitis, Scalp Scar, Left Patellar Tendonitis, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.