Scars decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities made him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 14, 2014. The Board granted entitlement to TDIU for this period.

The Board denied service connection for scars on the left side, lower extremity, and upper extremity as there was no evidence of an in-service injury or related disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, specifically due to a choking risk. The case is remanded for an additional examination regarding the severity of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's left little finger disability, which included a laceration and limitation of motion, was found to not warrant an initial compensable rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for an umbilical hernia, a rating of 30 percent for GERD, and service connection for scars associated with in-service Heller myotomy and pyloroplasty. The umbilical hernia was rated as noncompensable due to its small size and ease of reduction. The GERD was rated at 10 percent based on persistent symptoms but not meeting the criteria for a higher rating. The scars were denied service connection as they did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to accurately assess the Veteran's service-connected right leg and anterior chest scarring, as well as his hiatal hernia surgical scars. The case will be remanded for further examination and clarification of the nature and extent of these conditions.

The Veteran's abdominal scar is productive of pain and soreness, which warrants a 10 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, with an effective date of June 18, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 30 percent for his scar from a left parotid gland removal was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his depression and musculoskeletal conditions, do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than June 10, 2005 for the grant of service connection for his back condition and associated scars were denied.,Claims for right knee osteoarthritis and left knee degenerative arthritis also had their effective dates denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected thoracolumbar strain, patellarfemoral syndrome and medial meniscal tear (left knee), patellarfemoral syndrome (right knee), residual surgical scars (right hand, right and left knees, and cyst, right hand), painful scar (left lower extremity), and scar (right upper extremity) are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of a back injury. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his in-service acoustic trauma, warranting service connection. The initial disability rating for scar, status post coronary artery bypass graft associated with coronary artery disease remains remanded due to insufficient current evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her low back disability, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, deviated septum with sinusitis, right wrist scar, and PTSD with depression was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any condition.

The Board has denied increased ratings for the Veteran's abdominal scar, right lower quadrant abdominal scars, and left and right patellofemoral pain syndrome. The lumbar spine disability is remanded due to new evidence of worsening.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain, migraine headaches, and scars from breast cancer partial mastectomy are all granted with specific disability ratings. The lumbar strain is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status was denied as she does not require the regular aid and attendance of another person or is permanently housebound solely due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and the need for additional examinations. The Veteran's left knee disability, sinusitis, residuals of left index and long finger surgery, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and left index and middle finger scarring are all under review.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and rating considerations. The issues include increased ratings for various conditions, including a lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and scars.