Scars decisions — 2020

The Veteran's left knee disorder was initially rated at 20 percent prior to November 28, 2016 and then increased to 30 percent from January 1, 2018. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect his symptoms.,For a scar of the left knee, no compensable rating was assigned as there is no tenderness, pain, or limitation of function.

The Veteran's SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1) is granted with an effective date of February 15, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss due to in-service noise exposure. The claims for increased ratings for left index finger laceration and scar residuals remain pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left knee disability, right knee scar, right knee instability, and lumbar strain, prevented him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment prior to February 9, 2004. The Board granted the claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to that date.

The Board dismissed the claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder and left knee scars because the Veteran did not file a substantive appeal after receiving an SOC.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his scar was denied. The claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and low back disability were granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to June 18, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for a hysterectomy and remanded the issue of service connection for bowel obstruction scarring.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial compensable rating for his service-connected right hand disabilities due to inadequate VA examination findings. The Veteran is also required to provide updated treatment records, complete a VA Form 21-8940, and undergo a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left inguinal hernia scar was denied. The Board also remanded the issue of TDIU prior to July 2, 2018 due to incomplete development.

The Veteran is entitled to an earlier effective date of April 14, 2008 for a TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities and inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service connection due to exposure to acoustic trauma during active service.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted based on the benefit of doubt and his active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for her left knee scar, finding that there was no objective evidence of painful or unstable scars. The noncompensable rating currently assigned under Diagnostic Code 7805 is considered appropriate.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbosacral strain, ischemic heart disease, and various gunshot wound residuals, have resulted in loss of use of the lower extremities. The Board has granted specially adapted housing for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of verified in-service stressors. The temporary total ratings for right and left knee surgeries were also denied as the evidence did not show severe postoperative residuals or immobilization.,The Veteran's application for TDIU was denied because his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral knee disability, knee scars, and TBI. The claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's scars are rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds no basis for a compensable rating.,The Veteran's left ulnar neuropathy is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board does not find it meets the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of lumbar scars, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, and lumbar degenerative disc disease have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and sleep apnea have also been dismissed.

The Board has found entitlement to a TDIU granted as of May 1, 2007. The claim for TDIU prior to May 1, 2007 is still on appeal and must be considered under the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16 (b).

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for tinnitus is dismissed.,Service connection is granted for a lower-gastrointestinal disorder (irritable bowel syndrome).,Service connection is denied for sleep issues and disturbances (insomnia/dyssomnia, sleep apnea).,Service connection is denied for acne.,Service connection is denied for keloid scars.