Scars decisions — 2020

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the scar is rated as noncompensable. The Board finds that a higher rating for either condition is not warranted.,The Veteran’s left knee scar does not meet the criteria for a separate compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of recent VA examination for the Veteran's service-connected scar, residual forehead (also claimed as face or neck) disability. The claim will be evaluated based on new evidence and an updated rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaption grant due to lack of loss of use of limbs, blindness, or inhalation injury.,The Veteran was not found in need of regular aid and attendance based on his service-connected disabilities as he had dementia which is not service connected.

The Veteran's right shoulder osteoarthritis is granted as incurred during service.,Right deltoid scars and right lower leg disability are remanded for further development.,A left knee disability is remanded for further development.,Tinea versicolor of the posterior thorax remains remanded for further development.,Right knee Osgood-Schlatter disease is remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disorder and back disorder. The Veteran's claim of service connection for sunburn scars was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection is remanded for the issue of whether the Veteran has a left hip disorder, including any neurologic manifestations related to his service-connected back disorder.

The case is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional records, specifically regarding the Veteran's reports of numbness, pain, and functional impairments related to his hernia scar. The claim for service connection for asthma (now claimed as breathing problems) will also be remanded.

The Veteran's kidney cancer, adrenal gland cancer, and lung cancer have been granted service connection. Service connection for post-surgical scars related to these conditions has also been granted.

An increased rating of 60 percent for a skin disorder, folliculitis, is granted as of April 4, 2016.,A rating of 10 percent for scarring alopecia is granted from October 19, 2017 to January 21, 2020. A rating of 20 percent is granted since January 22, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of July 12, 2012 for service connection of residual surgical scars on both feet is granted. The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his residual surgical scars on the bilateral feet is denied.

The Veteran's post-operative right inguinal hernia has not been shown to be recurrent. The most probative evidence of record reflects that for the period on appeal the Veteran has been shown to be unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran is already in receipt of a separate 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7802 for his residual, scar post-operative right inguinal hernia. A higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7802 is not warranted.,The Veteran's combined evaluation exceeded 40 percent from March 23, 2007, and he meets the schedular requirements for entitlement to a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased ratings for various knee, shoulder, and wrist conditions due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for right leg cellulitis and painful scar associated with coronary artery disease status/post bypass graft are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Board has dismissed the claims for a higher rating for inactive pulmonary tuberculosis with pleural scarring and restrictive lung disease, as well as the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The appeal is dismissed because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected left eye disability, including a central macular scar and mild hypertensive retinopathy, needs further evaluation due to incomplete medical records. The case is remanded for additional examination and review of relevant private treatment records.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of February 1, 2013 for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate due to his service-connected disabilities and TDIU status.

The Veteran's diabetes was granted service connection and an initial rating of 20 percent for a right ring finger scar. The Veteran's PTSD with depression and TBI is granted an initial rating of 70 percent prior to April 8, 2015, but denied any increase in rating after that date.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's initial claims for increased disability evaluations have been denied. The Board has remanded several issues, including the evaluation of scars and a fracture to the right forearm.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to December 30, 2019, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus is denied as there are no manifestations not contemplated by the current 10% rating.