Scars decisions — 2021

The Veteran's bilateral retinal detachment, status post repair with chorioretinal scars, pseudophakia, and history of cataracts, status post removal was rated as noncompensable from December 15, 2015 to May 9, 2018.,From May 10, 2018 to January 22, 2020, the Veteran's bilateral retinal detachment, status post repair with chorioretinal scars, pseudophakia, and history of cataracts, status post removal was rated as noncompensable.,From January 23, 2020, the Veteran's bilateral retinal detachment, status post repair with chorioretinal scars, pseudophakia, and history of cataracts, status post removal was rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's chest scars are rated at a 20 percent evaluation, which is the maximum allowed under the rating schedule. The Board found that his current scars do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they do not align with the requirements of DC 7804 or DC 7801.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected left ring finger scar, finding that the Veteran's scar is not painful or unstable and does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Codes 7801-7805.

The Veteran is granted a higher rating for SMC under section 1114(o) and awarded two separate ratings of SMC based on loss of use of both feet due to service-connected peripheral neuropathy and need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for left foot and ankle surgical scar prior to February 2, 2021 is denied.,A higher than 10 percent rating for left ankle limitation of motion prior to March 6, 2017 is denied. A 20 percent rating for this condition effective March 6, 2017 is granted.

A rating of 20 percent for left hip strain with osteoarthritis, limited flexion, prior to April 20, 2015, is granted.,A rating of 10 percent for left hip strain with osteoarthritis, limited extension, prior to April 20, 2015, is granted.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for right hip strain with osteoarthritis, limited flexion, prior to April 20, 2015, is denied.,A rating of 10 percent for right hip strain with osteoarthritis, limited extension, prior to April 20, 2015, is granted.,Restoration of a 20 percent evaluation for status post right ankle reconstruction with residual scar is granted, effective February 21, 2014.,Restoration of a 10 percent evaluation for lateral collateral ligament instability, left knee is granted, effective February 21, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Veteran's right inguinal herniorrhaphy scar is productive of pain and warrants a 10 percent disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected residual scars from lacerations of his fingers. The case will be returned for further development and readjudication.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a retrospective medical opinion regarding his right ankle disability. The issues of entitlement to an increased evaluation for service-connected residuals of a right ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease and scars, status post ankle fusion surgery, and entitlement to a total evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) prior to March 15, 2014, are now before the AOJ for further consideration.

The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD, effective July 19, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected scars were denied throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal for increased SMC based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance was denied as there is no need for personal health-care services provided on a daily basis in his home by a licensed professional.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has made it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and updated treatment records.,The Board is requesting that the Veteran be scheduled for updated VA examinations to determine the current severity of his musculoskeletal, bowel, and bladder symptomatology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, was granted. The issue of secondary service connection for a skin disability is being remanded.,The Veteran contends that his current skin condition had its onset in service and is aggravated by his service-connected depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating and effective date for various skin conditions, including scalp folliculitis with keloid formation, all scars from head to toe, all linear scars from head to toe, and scars of the anterior trunk region following cholecystectomy.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected linear and deep scar, circular scar, left knee limitation of motion, and left knee instability were dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims at an October 2018 hearing.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development, including an examination to determine if the Veteran needs aid and attendance or is housebound based on his service-connected conditions.