Scars decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU were denied due to his failure to report for necessary VA examinations without good cause.

The Veteran's left thigh scar wound is granted an initial compensable rating of 10 percent. The Veteran's left-hand pain boxer’s fracture (residuals) are denied as not meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board denies a TDIU.

The Veteran's right foot surgical scar was initially rated as noncompensable prior to July 11, 2017. From July 11, 2017 to March 31, 2020, the Veteran is entitled to a 10 percent rating for his scar due to pain. The Board has remanded the case to consider additional evidence and determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including unspecified depressive disorder, atypical headaches with features of migraines, chronic lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, and other conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation during the period from August 1, 2007 to May 25, 2009.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left foot paresthesia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been denied.,Service connection for a right hand disability, other than status post boxer’s fracture of the right 5th metacarpal has also been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of September 15, 2011.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spondylosis and herniated disc at L5-S1 (back disability) and a head scar, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased evaluations for actinic keratosis and eczema, as well as surgical scars of the right and left knees.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right wrist, left thumb, and associated fingers were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than 10 percent for any of these conditions.,The Veteran was also denied an increased rating for his right hand scar.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete development of records, including VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. The Veteran will need a new examination to assess his current left shoulder disability severity.

The Board has granted a 90 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected visual disorder, effective as of January 31, 2020. Prior to this date, the Veteran was rated at 70 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin disabilities affecting his chest, face, and legs. The evidence does not support a link between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to October 7, 2011 were denied as a matter of law due to the finality of the January 24, 2000 rating decision that initially denied service connection.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for his service-connected right foot disability, hallux limitus status post cheilectomy with scar, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board granted an effective date of June 13, 2017 for the Veteran's service connection claim for right hip osteoarthritis with osteopenia, left hip osteoarthritis with osteopenia, and bilateral linear hip scars. The decision was based on the Veteran submitting a completed application within one year of his intent to file.

The Veteran's right eye disability, which includes a corneal scar and astigmatism from a shell fragment wound, was granted a 20% rating effective November 22, 2019. The condition manifested as impaired visual acuity correctable to 20/70 with active pathology.

The Veteran's kidney removal scar disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current level of severity.