Scars decisions — 2021

The Veteran is granted a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective September 25, 2019 due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted an initial rating of 50 percent for PTSD, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim was denied as less likely related to service. Effective dates prior to May 15, 2016 were not granted for erectile dysfunction and SMC.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, chronic lumbar strain, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, have resulted in a combined rating of 90 percent. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an aortic valve disability and scarring of the left leg due to insufficient information regarding whether the Veteran's bicuspid aortic valve is a congenital disease or defect, and if so, whether it was aggravated by service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates before July 22, 2011 for service connection of neuroforaminal stenosis of the lumbar spine, left knee patellar tendonitis, right knee patellar tendonitis, and a right eyebrow scar.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's initial claim for a rating for lipomatosis scars has been granted, but no higher. The Board also found that the Veteran’s bilateral pes planus and bilateral hearing loss are not service-connected.

The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's neck scar, painful scars, and linear scars from September 29, 2020. The highest rating allowed under applicable diagnostic codes was assigned.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his scar based on disfigurement was denied, but he received a separate initial 10 percent rating for one painful scar from the head laceration of the right temple.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the denial of his claim for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated medical records. The issues on appeal are an increased rating for status post left inguinal herniorrhaphy and scars associated with it, as well as TDIU prior to April 8, 2014.

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding effective dates for service connection of scars and painful scars due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are preventing him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board finds a remand is required to obtain updated information about his most recent employment and to request an opinion regarding the combined effects of his service-connected conditions on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to December 3, 2013. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence does not show total unemployability due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to deficiencies in prior examinations and incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on several service-connected conditions have been dismissed due to his death prior to a decision.

The Board denied service connection for a lung disorder, finding that the preponderance of evidence does not support a link between the Veteran's current lung conditions and his in-service asbestos exposure. The VA examiners concluded that the pulmonary nodules, right lower-lobe scarring, atelectasis, and mild restrictive lung disease were not caused by asbestos exposure without any evidence of actual asbestosis.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70% rating from January 9, 2004 to December 10, 2007. The left hand and left forearm scars are each granted a 10% rating starting February 1, 2008.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate examination and incomplete information. The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his back disability, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity are not yet resolved.

The Veteran's request for a higher rating for his right knee scar is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.,The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for neck/cervical spine disability, left knee disability (including as secondary to service-connected ruptured patellar or quadriceps tendon proximal to the right patella), lumbar strain, ruptured patellar or quadriceps tendon proximal to the right patella, and lateral epicondylitis of the left elbow.