Scars decisions — 2020

The Board has denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's left eyebrow scar, finding that it does not meet the criteria for any of the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to clarify the Veteran's respiratory diagnoses and determine which PFT reading best reflects his level of disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus the Board has granted entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other conditions render him unable to work, leading to a grant of TDIU. He also needs aid and attendance due to his PTSD symptoms.

The Board granted service connection for a left upper extremity neurological disability and granted an increased rating of 10 percent for status post right inguinal herniorrhaphy with scars (inguinal scars). The low back benign intradermal inclusion cysts were also granted, but only prior to March 14, 2014.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a right ankle scar is denied as there is no diagnosed current disability.,The Veteran's initial compensable rating claim for status-post traumatic deviated nasal septum is denied due to the lack of evidence showing less than 50 percent obstruction on both sides.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration. Specifically, a VA scar examination is needed to address the discrepancy in reporting of right shoulder scar size between 2013 and 2018. An addendum opinion is also required regarding whether any current disability of the left shoulder is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Veteran was granted TDIU from February 16, 2012 to July 5, 2018 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI residuals and scarring on the left side of his head. The claim for TBI was granted, but the claim for scarring was reopened and subsequently denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of issues including service connection for ganglion cyst, scars of the right wrist, vision loss, hypertension (secondary to PTSD), rating for PTSD with adjustment disorder and anxiety in excess of 50%, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected and claimed conditions, including left lung scarring, obstructive sleep apnea, nerve damage of the upper back, left shoulder disorder, and chest wall stiffness. The decision does not specify a rating assigned or effective date.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected disabilities, as well as for potential new evidence related to hearing loss, sciatica, and respiratory disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and facial scars. The VA examinations are required to address all applicable theories of entitlement, including secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for residuals of extropia, status post bilateral lateral rectus resection and a TDIU rating due to outstanding treatment records not being associated with the claims file. The Veteran needs to provide VA Form 21-8940 for his service-connected eye disability and any claimed residuals at private providers. Additionally, all SSA documents related to his disability benefits claim should be obtained.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding increased ratings for left knee disability, left knee scars, right shoulder disability, and right shoulder scar. The Board has dismissed these claims.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating of 10 percent for two painful scars on the right anterior thigh, residual to shrapnel wound, is denied. The Board found that the scars are not deep and nonlinear, do not exceed 12 square centimeters in total area, and do not meet criteria for any higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for left shoulder conditions was proper due to a prior dishonorable discharge, and thus restoration is denied.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for residuals of bladder cancer, a scar related to bladder cancer, and erectile dysfunction (ED) are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including dementia, chronic pancreatitis, and various neuropathies. The SMC rating is at the P-2 level.

The Veteran's depression is granted, and his headaches are found to be proximately due to his service-connected depression. The Board also grants a compensable evaluation for the residual fracture of the displacement of left zygoma and zygomatic arch.