Scars decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed due to his withdrawal of the issues. The Board also noted that new VA examinations are needed for some of the disabilities on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his skin condition and acquired psychiatric disorder, make it impossible for him to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for scars of the right knee and left thigh, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, and recurring ear infections. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected PFB, Onychomycosis/Tinea Pedis, and Dry Skin (Ichthyosis Vulgaris) are not rated higher than the current 10% due to the skin conditions affecting less than 20% of his body or exposed areas.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection was partially granted. The Veteran is now rated at 10% for residuals of laceration injury, left middle finger; however, his claims for an evaluation in excess of 10% for painful scar, left middle finger, associated with residuals of laceration injury, and for an evaluation in excess of 20% for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity are denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple pulmonary nodules, right upper outer lung, and left foot tendonitis is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions and whether they are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further development, including a new vocational rehabilitation evaluation and functional capacity assessment. The Veteran's service-connected conditions have worsened since his last evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for right knee disabilities and the issue of entitlement to TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran is also required to be provided with a VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for painful scars of the right wrist is granted, subject to controlling regulations governing the payment of monetary awards. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU has been raised and requires referral to VA's Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability, along with other disabilities, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from May 17, 2014. He is also entitled to special monthly compensation at the housebound rate for this period.

The claim for an increased rating of service-connected residual scars, excision basal cell carcinoma, right forehead and left temple is remanded due to the need for additional development involving private medical records from Dr. H and Dr. W.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions due to insufficient evidence and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee chondromalacia patella with instability was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pharyngitis has been reopened, and the Board has granted a 10% disability rating for scar, status post fibroadenoma excision of the left breast. The issue of service connection for pharyngitis is now resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his ventral hernia scar prior to July 1, 2018 was denied as the scar did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 7804 or DC 7805.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his ventral hernia scar from July 1, 2018 to January 31, 2021 was denied as the scar did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 7804.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his ventral hernia scar from February 1, 2021 was denied as he did not have five or more scars that were unstable or painful.

The Veteran's burn scars of the hands are rated as peripheral neuropathy, which encompasses nerve damage symptoms such as pain and numbness. No other residual symptoms from scarring have been considered.,The Veteran's right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is currently rated at 30 percent, but no higher rating is warranted given the current evidence.

The Board has dismissed all claims for increased ratings and compensation due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's right knee and left knee conditions have been granted increased ratings, with the right knee receiving a 20% evaluation from January 31, 2011 until December 3, 2013. The TDIU claim has also been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for VR&E benefits to pursue an educational goal of obtaining a bachelor's degree due to his service-connected and nonservice-connected disabilities, as well as barriers in physical, behavioral, and mental health.

The Board has remanded two issues: one regarding a compensable rating for a kidney removal scar and the other regarding a disability rating in excess of 60 percent for neoplasm of the kidney. The Veteran's reports of pain must be adequately addressed, and private treatment records are needed.