Scars decisions — 2020

The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as zero percent disabling prior to November 14, 2017 and a 10 percent rating since that date.,The Veteran’s vision problems (macular scar of the right eye, glaucoma, cataracts) are not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration. The issues include a request for higher ratings for various knee conditions, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, effective from August 1, 2012. The TDIU is granted subject to the statutes and regulations governing the payment of compensation.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations addressing his functional impairment resulting from service-connected somatic symptom disorder and orthopedic disabilities, including degenerative disc disease with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from December 16, 2009 to August 13, 2019.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating or TDIU prior to April 25, 2018.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates have been dismissed. The claims for service connection for right knee disability, high cholesterol, and hypertension were denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these claims. Service connection for a psychiatric disability (PTSD), left hip disability, and depression has been granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings of facial and posterior scalp scars, painful scars on the posterior scalp, and PTSD with depression and anxiety have been denied. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions warrant a rating higher than the currently assigned 70 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected scars and left facial pain syndrome have been denied.,The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for a low back injury due to insufficient examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left foot hallux valgus with hallux rigidus, metatarsalgia, hammer toes, and scars was denied. A separate noncompensable rating is granted for each of the hammer toes and surgical scars from October 18, 2011. The Veteran's metatarsalgia is rated at 10 percent since that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs new VA audiological and employment impact examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his level of education, prior work history and training.

The Board has dismissed all issues on appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against a higher rating for tinnitus, left upper extremity radicular neuropathy, vascular headaches, epididymitis and testicle cyst condition, external hemorrhoids, and left arm scars. Service connection was granted for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for scars of the left upper back, status post excision basal cell carcinoma is denied.,The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for contact dermatitis, distal index fingers of the bilateral hands and rosacea are remanded. The Veteran's facial scars are also remanded for review.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for rosacea prior to February 6, 2020; and a rating in excess of 30 percent since February 6, 2020 is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for facial scars, residuals of treatment for basal cell carcinoma, prior to February 6, 2020; and a rating in excess of 10 percent since February 6, 2020 is remanded.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, a compensable rating for his residual right ankle surgical scar, and an increased evaluation for anxiety disability are all denied. The Veteran is already service-connected for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete examination reports and additional information is needed regarding the severity of the Veteran's right hip disability, left shoulder tear, and pain.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depression. The Veteran's right shoulder scar is rated at 10% under Diagnostic Code 7804. Further examination and development are needed to address the issues related to his left knee disability, effective date of service connection, and TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee replacement and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as unspecified anxiety disorder, is granted. The claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee scar is denied.