Scars decisions — 2021

The Board denied service connection for acne with associated scars as the Veteran's pre-existing condition did not permanently worsen during her military service.

The Veteran's right foot surgical scar is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's initial claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected left arm scars was denied. However, the Board granted an initial 20 percent rating from April 13, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected appendectomy scars are rated at a 20 percent disability rating beginning August 8, 2016. A separate compensable rating under DC 7802 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for headaches, hypertension, and increased rating for comminuted open fracture of the left tibia are being remanded.,An earlier effective date is granted for service connection of superficial and nonlinear scar, right upper extremity, and painful scars, right upper extremity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral ankle arthritis, low back strain, right bicep injury, and right foot scar, precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to October 18, 2011.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was remanded by the Board in November 2020. Since then, he has been granted service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral and sciatic nerves and a scar of the right knee. The issue must be readjudicated considering all his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's right ankle and right lower extremity neuropathy disabilities. The Veteran is also seeking an increased rating for her right foot disability, which may be impacted by her neuropathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a defective dental bridge, finding that there was no evidence of VA negligence or fault in causing any additional disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to inadequate examinations and because of the possibility that the Veteran's ankle disability may affect his ability to work, which is relevant to the TDIU claim. The issues include a higher rating for an ankle fracture and scars, as well as a TDIU determination.

The Board has dismissed all issues on appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and forehead scar do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during Vietnam service. The scar of the lumbar spine remains denied, and hypothyroidism and hepatitis C are remanded for further review.,An initial compensable rating for scarring head to toe is denied, and an acquired psychiatric disorder claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not precluded him from substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the 's' rate due to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder unspecified depression, which causes him to be likely precluded from substantial and gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as the evidence is insufficient to determine his employment history and educational background.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as the Board finds that there may be pathology beyond what is contemplated by the schedular criteria and which may interfere with his employment opportunities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, thus the claim for TDIU is denied.