Scars decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for his left foot scar and service connection for various disabilities, including left ankle pain and back pain secondary to the scar. The decision found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of July 29, 2009. Therefore, a TDIU is granted effective from that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for residuals, status post repair of left inguinal hernia and a higher initial rating for painful scar associated with the same condition. The issues are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for his service-connected residuals of prostate cancer is denied. The VA has also remanded the issues regarding abdominal scars and erectile dysfunction associated with prostate cancer.

The Veteran's left inguinal hernia scar was rated at 20 percent from September 27, 2016 to November 20, 2017 due to pain and instability.

The Board granted compensable initial ratings of 10 percent for painful keloid scars of the abdomen/umbilicus, status-post cholecystectomy and for keloid scars of the left and right nipple and below the right nipple. The decision was based on pain in the scars.

The Veteran's scarring of the right foot is rated at a 10 percent disability rating since October 2012, and this decision grants a 10 percent rating for the period prior to June 17, 2019. A higher rating is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of increased disability evaluations and service connection. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to evaluate his shoulder and back disabilities, as well as a PTSD examination and an evaluation of his claimed tremors.

The Board denied retroactive CRDP compensation payments for the period from August 1, 2013 to April 30, 2015 due to a correct adjustment by DFAS.

The Veteran's headaches began during service and have continued to the present, with credible testimony supporting in-service onset. The Board granted service connection for headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected epidermal inclusion cyst and residual scar, as well as a claim of headaches. The VA is to schedule an examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's headache symptoms.

The Board has decided that a new examination is needed to assess the severity of the Veteran's left knee scars, as previous examinations did not provide sufficient information.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to failure of the Veteran to report for scheduled VA examinations. The matter is being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further action.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and his claim for a TDIU due to outstanding VA treatment records and an assessment of the aggregate effect of his service-connected disabilities on his functionality.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and shell fragment wound scars of the right arm, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service or post-service treatment. The Veteran's current disabilities are not considered related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to a lack of VA examinations. The Veteran's scars on both arms and his bilateral foot condition are being reviewed again as they may be related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a prostate disorder has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is established for PTSD. The Veteran's in-service stressors are considered credible.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathies are each rated at 20 percent, effective July 8, 2020. The Veteran’s back scar is rated at 10 percent prior to June 18, 2019, and the rating for this condition will be reconsidered due to a change in VA regulations. Service connection for a left knee disability and PTSD are both remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a stroke, as well as his claim for TDIU due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations.,Specifically, the Board requested an addendum opinion on the etiology of the Veteran’s sleep apnea, addressing whether it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable for the period from November 2, 2015 to December 17, 2016. The Board denied entitlement to TDIU as his disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.