Scars decisions — 2021

The Board denied service connection for a seizure disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his in-service heat stroke incident.,The Board also denied service connection for gastrointestinal disabilities, including IBS and perforated colon issues. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to any period of service.

The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for metatarsalgia of the feet, painful scars of the feet, and linear scars of the feet. Additionally, a SMC claim based on aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for scars and residuals following a rhytidectomy was denied, as the evidence did not show that VA care caused his additional disability. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss prior to May 8, 2021 was rated at 20 percent, while after this date it was rated at 40 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected scar and SFW disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated VA treatment records and examinations.

The Board denied separate compensable ratings for limitation of motion associated with left and right wrist ganglion cyst excision scars, as the Veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 5215.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including adjustment disorder and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, are found to be so severe that they render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy were granted an effective date of June 28, 2017. The rating for the lumbar spine scar was granted with a 40% rating effective August 10, 2018.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence to decide the claim, including an examination and etiology opinion.

The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for the Veteran's cervical spine DDD, which was part of an increased rating request. The attorney is entitled to 20% of past-due benefits awarded in September 2020.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or due to housebound status, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not result in such needs.

The Veteran's left breast scar was initially granted service connection in April 2013 with a noncompensable rating. The Board has now determined that she is entitled to a 10 percent disability rating for her left breast scar beginning September 14, 2009.

The Veteran's bilateral pinguecula and bilateral cataracts are granted service connection. The Board has remanded the claims for additional opinions regarding other eye conditions, including congenital defects.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left knee disability from December 27, 2019 to September 21, 2020 has been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent for left knee limitation of extension is being remanded.,The Veteran's appeal for a compensable disability rating from June 29, 2021, forward for left knee limitation of flexion is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches and hammer toes of the right foot postoperative repair, preclude her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the claims for hidradenitis suppurative and related secondary service connection claims due to in-service vaccinations, lack of contemporaneous records, and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service-connected. The Board has remanded for further development regarding his right shoulder, hip, and knee disabilities due to potential Reserve service exposure.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to specific dates are being remanded due to procedural issues and lack of formal or informal claims.

The Veteran's service-connected heart disability caused irreparable damage to his outer garments due to the use of scar ointment. The Board granted clothing allowances for outer garments for calendar years 2013 and 2014.

The Board has found that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of PTSD, scarlet fever, and bilateral hearing loss due to outstanding records and the need for VA examinations.