Scars decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and vocational experience, leading to a TDIU effective August 31, 2018.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left flank scar is a residual of his in-service injury and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's abdominal scarring is granted a 10% evaluation, and his gastric ulcer remains at a 20% evaluation. The case is remanded for further examination to determine the current severity of his gastrointestinal symptoms.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated employment information and a new examination to assess his employability.

The Veteran's claims for chronic headaches, diabetes mellitus, facial scars, left eye vision loss, and an acquired psychiatric disability were all denied as they are not related to service.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is rated as non-compensable, and the Board has found that his condition does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran's scar, status-post removal of sebaceous cyst, was remanded due to an inadequate post-remand examination without color photographs.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his non-service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed as moot due to the concurrent assignment of a 100 percent rating for service-connected disabilities and SMC benefits. The SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance claim is denied as the evidence does not show that the Veteran requires regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's initial and subsequent ratings for pulmonary fibrosis, residual left lung base interstitial changes with scaring, were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable for the period prior to April 12, 2017. As of April 12, 2017, his combined rating was 100%, and he is in receipt of special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in an inability to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, as his unemployability is attributed to non-service-connected conditions such as a stroke and substance abuse.

The Board has found that there has been substantial compliance with its remand instructions and is now remanding the claims for increased ratings for left knee disability based on limitation of extension, flexion, and instability.

The Veteran's right wrist condition is rated at 60 percent, effective from September 29, 2014 to May 21, 2018. The Veteran also received SMC for loss of use of the right hand during this period. His left and right hip scars are each rated at 10 percent, effective from September 29, 2014 to May 21, 2018. A total disability rating due to unemployability is granted.

The Veteran's claim for Individual Unemployability prior to January 2, 2011 is denied as he was gainfully employed full-time from November 9, 2008 to January 1, 2011 and did not meet the statutory criteria for a TDIU during that period.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, femoral nerve has been granted increased ratings to 30 percent each. The Veteran's residual scar is not compensable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorder. The other claims regarding pulmonary hypertension, chronic renal insufficiency, and a scar from endarterectomy are still pending.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the issues on appeal due to incomplete records and inadequate examination. The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right upper extremity-dominant cervical radiculopathy, left upper extremity non dominant cervical radiculopathy, and surgical scar, right upper neck are all service-connected.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia, cervical spine disability, scar of the umbilical region, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and gynecological disability are all found to be related to her service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.,Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's vertigo as secondary to her service-connected migraines.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for residual burn scars to the face and a compensable rating for residual burn scars to both forearms, including any related burn scar to the chest are denied. The TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for varicose veins, ulnar nerve transposition residuals, and psoriasis are remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.