Scars decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, hypertension, back disability, right shin splint disorder, left shin splint disorder, ingrown toenails, seizure disorder, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), and bilateral ear keratosis obturans have all been denied.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for the right middle finger laceration scar has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for acne prior to February 19, 2016, and for scarring associated with her acne as of August 1, 2014, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support ratings higher than 10 percent for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to incomplete development of evidence, including a need for additional VA examinations. The Veteran is also required to provide authorization for any outstanding treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee, postoperative with scars and for entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to lack of recent VA examinations and incomplete medical records. The issues are intertwined as the TDIU claim is dependent on the outcome of the increased rating claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete service personnel records, which are needed to substantiate his claim of active service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations, which need to be supplemented with additional information.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim for heel spurs and granted service connection for hammertoes, chronic pain of the toes, and foot scarring. The case is remanded to determine if other diagnosed foot disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, major depressive disorder, cognitive disorder, and TBI, as well as residuals from scars on the forehead, are remanded due to lack of prior formal or informal application.

The Veteran's initial 10 percent rating for a scar of the right lower extremity and a 50 percent rating for bilateral pes planus have been granted. The appeal is remanded for further consideration on whether to grant TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, alone, were not of sufficient severity to render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. Therefore, TDIU was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and development to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, chronic cough, abdominal pain, varicocele scar, and appendix scar. The claims will be reviewed based on the new evidence obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and scar on the left side of his head was granted. The decision is based on direct evidence showing that these conditions were incurred in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, notably his bilateral knee disabilities, prevent him from substantially gainful employment that is consistent with his work experience as a laborer. The Board finds entitlement to TDIU granted.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling an examination to assess PFB severity, and issuing a statement of the case for the remaining issues.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on his mental health disability, heart disability, lung disability, and scar are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, as he could manage his daily activities with assistance from his wife.

The Veteran's appeals include requests for a compensable rating, effective date determination, increased ratings, and TDIU for his service-connected right ankle conditions. The propriety of the reduction in rating for his right ankle sprain is also being remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on several issues, including service connection for various conditions and rating claims. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which was granted for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.