Scars decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations and evaluations to determine appropriate ratings for service-connected coccidioidomycosis and scarring due to right latissimus dorsi fibrosarcoma.

The Veteran's laceration scar of the left arm and forearm has been rated at 20 percent since January 28, 2011.,On or after July 24, 2020, a rating in excess of 20 percent for this condition is denied.

All appeals for increased ratings and initial compensable ratings have been withdrawn by the Veteran.,The Veteran has also withdrawn all appeals regarding effective date determinations.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for right ankle degenerative joint disease and surgical scars prior to October 15, 2019, as well as his TBI with posttraumatic headaches, scalp scar, and photophobia, was dismissed. The Veteran is granted an initial 10 percent rating for his TBI.

The Veteran's right long finger disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board has remanded this issue for further development.,The Veteran's scar of the right hand is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board has also remanded this issue for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for service-connected residuals of left parotidectomy, including a scar of the left mandible, has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development due to issues regarding service connection and increased rating of her right wrist disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The August 1968 rating decision for the laceration scar with residual flexion deformity of the right little finger, external otitis, and anxiety reaction is granted as CUE. The July 1973 reduction in disability rating for the right hand and forearm condition is also granted as CUE.

The Veteran's initial rating for left Achilles tendon rupture from August 8, 2007 to March 6, 2017 is denied. The case is remanded for further evaluation of the left foot surgical scar and left ankle limitation of motion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance of another person due to the functional limitations, including inability to prepare meals, manage finances, and perform necessary hygiene tasks.

The Board denied service connection for pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma due to exposure to ionizing radiation, bilateral hip bursitis as secondary to pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma, and residual, deep, nonlinear scar, status post pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma surgery.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his painful surgical scar of the right groin, residual inguinal hernia repair is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his right groin, residual inguinal hernia repair is denied.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted.,The Veteran's service connection claim for OSA is remanded.,The Veteran's separate rating claim for chronic pain syndrome is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for mitral valve prolapse and lung condition (including scarring). Service connection is also remanded for adjustment disorder with depressed mood and dental condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD rated at 50%, resulted in a combined rating of 90% from October 13, 2016 to October 13, 2017. The Board granted a TDIU rating for this period based on the severity and cumulative effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating and a higher rating for his right ankle disorder due to incomplete VA examination reports. The Veteran is also asked to attend another VA examination to address whether he has developed a separate and distinct foot disorder from his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his left shoulder disability and tinnitus, render him unemployable. The Board granted total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Board dismisses the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for diabetes with ED. The appeals for peripheral neuropathy and SMC are denied.

The appeal of service connection for a residual scar, status-post laceration, head injury is dismissed. The claims for service connection for vein disorders of the bilateral legs and migraines are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence to support higher ratings for his right knee disabilities or service connection for the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional development.,His left foot bunionectomy and residual scar are currently rated appropriately, with no higher schedular rating being warranted.