Scars decisions — 2020

The Veteran's scar disability, left fibula fracture, right tibia fracture, and right femur fracture are all denied prior to specific dates. The lower back disorder service connection is remanded. TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is also remanded.,Seizures have not met the criteria for higher ratings since September 23, 2019.

The Veteran's shrapnel scars and left medial thigh injury are granted increased ratings of 20 percent, but no higher. Bilateral hip arthritis is also granted a separate rating of 20 percent.

The Board has dismissed the claims of service connection for thyroid enlargement, non-toxic, status post left thyroidectomy and thyroid goiter excision, anterior neck surgical scar (partial thyroidectomy and excision of 7.5 cm. goiter), and gallbladder stones, post-operative as moot due to the grant of these conditions in a February 2020 rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting the grant of TDIU.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including back disability and psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to September 19, 2017.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for all issues related to post-operative scarring of the right groin area and abdomen, as well as a temporary total disability evaluation due to treatment for service-connected disability requiring convalescence beyond one month. The appellant withdrew these appeals prior to the decision being made.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to April 11, 2016.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is being remanded to determine if his in-service motor vehicle accident contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a heart disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient opinions provided in previous VA examinations.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for increased ratings in several service-connected conditions, and the Board has remanded for further examination of his bilateral knee disabilities and pulmonary sarcoidosis.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to adjudicate the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral fifth toe conditions, as the previous examination was over 3 years ago and the Veteran continues to assert worsening of these disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right thumb disability, right thumb scarring, lumbar spine disability, upper respiratory disability (diminished lung capacity), sleep apnea disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The VA is directed to provide examinations and obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for kidney cancer, sleep apnea, and right third finger scar. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for a right eye disability and remanded the issues of service connection for residuals of a right-hand injury and skin disability.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted for the period prior to March 10, 2014 due to his service-connected PTSD preventing him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for further action regarding an initial rating greater than 60 percent for non-small cell lung cancer status post resection.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected depressive disorder and right knee disability. The Veteran's left shoulder surgical scar is granted a 10% evaluation from January 12, 2018 onward.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete medical records and need for new evaluations of his neck disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete employment information and a need for further assessments. The Veteran's claim for VR&E services, including pursuing an M.S.W. Degree, is pending.