Scars decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The initial compensable rating for hearing loss in the left ear was denied, as did the claim for an increased disability rating for major depressive disorder during a specific period. The issues of service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and surgical scars from left knee arthroscopic surgery had earlier effective dates.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ear auricle deformity is granted with an effective date of August 3, 2016. The claims for left eyebrow scar and bilateral eye condition are denied. The rating for right ear auricle deformity is increased to 30 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for his scar and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. Additional evidence is needed, including VA scars examination records and SSA disability determination records.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various conditions and a temporary total disability rating. The main issue is that further medical examinations are needed due to the passage of time since previous evaluations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed due to inadequate VA examinations, and the Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings on his service-connected right knee disabilities remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his failure to report for a scheduled VA examination. The Veteran is currently service connected for PTSD, L5-S1 diskectomy, left fifth finger injury, and appendectomy.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for service-connected scars of the left lower lumbosacral lipoma has been dismissed.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for eye condition (loss of vision) and tinea corporis previously claimed as a skin condition have both been denied.

The Board has restored the 50% rating for facial scars and denied the restoration of a separate 10% rating for dermatophytosis, finding that the reduction was improper due to lack of improvement in ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches, left knee injury, left calf injury, left leg shin splints, gallbladder removal with scar, right knee scar, and bilateral leg disability (including numbness, cellulitis, circulation problems, and water retention) have been granted. The claim for residuals of hepatitis and mononucleosis is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with anxious distress has made him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were dismissed. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was granted, but the issue of SMC based on aid and attendance is still pending.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee scar tissue and an initial rating of 70% for PTSD, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70%, the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's left eye optic nerve drusen with visual field defects and right eye corneal scar are not service-connected, as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury. The Veteran was denied both his claim for service connection and his request for an initial compensable evaluation for his right eye condition.

The Veteran's service-connected heart disability, along with other disabilities, has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 16, 2020. The Board granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for a DRO hearing request.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including TBI with depressive disorder NOS and PTSD, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has determined that the combined effects of his service-connected conditions make it impossible for him to work.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for TDIU, higher disability evaluations for left total knee arthroplasty, and SMC. The Veteran will need a VA examination to assess her functional impairment due to her service-connected disabilities and their impact on her employability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and an inadequate examination. The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of inguinal hernia surgery is being reviewed with additional development.

The Veteran's forehead scar and PTSD have been granted service connection, with a 50% rating for PTSD effective May 1, 2014. The Veteran has also been awarded TDIU since that date.