Scars decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as there was no evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors, exposure to herbicide agents, and participation in combat. Additional development is required.

The Veteran's appeals for various ratings related to his service-connected disabilities have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected upper lip scar as a scar of the face and denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected upper lip scar as an unstable or painful scar.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, examinations, and clarification of certain examination reports.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for restless leg syndrome, initial compensable rating for scar, residuals status post right inguinal hernia repair, and initial rating in excess of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus with chronic associated pain in limb. The issues are related to new evidence that reopened his service connection claim.

The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome and surgical scar are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of flexion limited to 30 degrees even with flare-ups or repetitive use. The claim for a higher evaluation is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The Board denied the claim for a TDIU as his disabilities did not meet the regulatory schedular rating requirements of 38 C.F.R. § 4.16 (a).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left ankle degenerative joint disease, right hip replacement, lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), painful surgical scar due to hip replacement, lumbar radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and tinnitus, have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the right arm laceration claim during a Board hearing, resulting in its dismissal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee condition, residual scars from post-service surgery, and ear disorder. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his eye scars.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings, reopening of service connection claims, and effective date issues are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that has not been reviewed by the AOJ.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grants were denied as she does not meet the criteria for eligibility based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, generalized anxiety disorder, tinnitus, coronary artery disease with coronary artery bypass graft residuals, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and a midline chest scar, make him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the claim for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and potential TDIU issues. The claims include service connection, rating determinations, and a request for TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a bilateral hip disorder, a right thigh scar, pes planus, and vision disability due to lack of current disabilities at the time of filing or during the pendency of the claim.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his painful scar and associated scar is denied. The current ratings are appropriate given the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his heart disability and scars are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, specifically private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee scars, left and right total knee replacements, as well as SMC based on housebound status from January 1, 2016. The claims are being remanded due to the need for VA examinations.