Scars decisions — 2020

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for left wrist disability and left wrist scar have been denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions warranting higher ratings, and the current ratings are considered appropriate based on the severity of symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim for referral to the Director of Compensation Services for consideration of entitlement to TDIU on an extraschedular basis, as his service-connected disabilities preclude him from participating in gainful employment. The April 2018 remand directives have not been substantially complied with.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the right index finger is granted at a 10 percent rating. The extraschedular evaluation for this condition is denied. An initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residual scarring of the right index finger is also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and requests for further information from the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to conflicting opinions and a need for further development. The neurological impairment of the bilateral upper extremities is being reviewed again, as it could impact the scars/tightness claim.

The Veteran's left knee scar was granted a 10 percent rating prior to April 6, 2018 and denied any increase in rating thereafter. A 60 percent rating for total left knee replacement is granted.,Tinea versicolor is rated at 30 percent due to affecting more than 40 percent of the body or exposed areas. The Veteran's tinea versicolor condition is remanded as it may affect greater than 40 percent of his body and exposed areas throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected Hashimoto's thyroiditis is granted a 60 percent rating, effective September 7, 2011. She also receives TDIU benefits.

The Veteran's lumbar spine fusion, DDD and DJD is rated at 40 percent effective July 17, 2013.,Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (LLE) prior to March 2, 2020, is rated at 20 percent effective July 17, 2013.,The Veteran's scar of the lumbar spine is not compensable.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for insomnia, chronic fatigue, premature menopause, ovarian cysts, and miscarriages as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected pes planus and HIV infection, as well as the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to his service-connected disabilities, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected left-sided paresthesia and painful scar, as well as his claim for a TDIU due to these disabilities. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete verification of the Appellant's National Guard service and missing medical records. The case will be re-adjudicated after obtaining all necessary information.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for left rotator cuff tear with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis with residual scars status post surgery from July 7, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for conjunctivitis was denied as there is no evidence of current chronic conjunctivitis.,Service connection for a right knee disability was remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and audiogram results.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to the Veteran's unavailability for VA examinations. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of respiratory disability, hypertension, heart disease, and residual surgical scars.

The Board has remanded the claims for postgastrectomy syndromes, prostate cancer residuals, and surgical scar due to worsening symptoms reported by the Veteran. Updated VA examinations are needed to determine current disability severity.

The Board denied an initial compensable rating for bilateral pinguecula with left eye corneal scarring, finding no visual impairment attributable to these conditions and noting the Veteran has had no incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's service-connected scars related to her right hip surgeries are being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of these scars and their impact on her function.

The Board has restored service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and denied a compensable rating for Right Shoulder Scars.