Scars decisions — 2020

The Veteran's initial ratings for residual scar, right knee status-post arthroscopy and meniscectomy and right ankle strain have been granted. The rating for the right leg length discrepancy associated with right femur fracture remains at a non-compensable level.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for chronic multiple lipomatosis with scars status post lipoma removal, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for such an increase.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD disability renders him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, meeting the requirements for a TDIU. Additionally, he is eligible for SMC at the housebound rate due to his combined rating of 60 percent or more from additional service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches and hypertension, have rendered her unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the Veteran's right ankle disability, specifically his range of motion and functional impairment. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to address these issues.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for left eye corneal scar, claimed as left eye droop, should be remanded due to incomplete record development and potential need for additional medical evidence or examination.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) addressing the issues of attorney fees and increased disability rating.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent rating for a painful scar on the Veteran's left leg, but denied any higher ratings for his service-connected left leg burn residuals.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, but the appellant paid for his burial expenses and filed a timely claim. The Board found that the criteria for nonservice-connected burial benefits were met.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for the left eyebrow scar was denied, as it did not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent.,The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial 70 percent rating, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been remanded due to the need for further development. The issues of service connection remain unresolved.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, IHD, right ankle injury residuals, DMII, CTS, and a noncompensable wrist scar, have precluded him from securing or following substantial gainful employment since January 1, 2011. A TDIU is granted effective from that date.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain and review inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room treatment records from Fort Eustis for the Veteran's period of service between December 1990 and July 1991. The claim will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history, warranting a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete VA examinations, specifically regarding the severity of his keloid formations from March 21, 2007, to November 1, 2014.

The Veteran's left great toe disability was granted a maximum rating of 30 percent, effective September 20, 2006. The right knee and left knee disabilities were remanded for further development. A TDIU was granted beginning October 25, 2007. SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance was granted starting December 8, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him bedridden, confined to his immediate premises, or unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. Therefore, he is not eligible for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status.