Scars decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neck and left shoulder conditions secondary to a gunshot wound, as well as TDIU. The neck scar is currently rated 10% prior to July 8, 2019, and no higher.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected residual scars from basal cell carcinoma has been granted, with an effective date of February 1, 2004. The Veteran was awarded a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including weakened lungs, scarring of the lungs, granulomas, and weakened immune system due to lack of current disability.

The Veteran's post-operative residual scar from his epigastric/umbilical hernia repair is rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7804. The Board found that the scars are painful but not unstable.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left ankle disability was denied. The Board also granted the Veteran a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, including back and right ankle conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's in-service exposure to cadmium, bacillus globigii, and beta-propiolactone. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to February 22, 2019. From February 22, 2019, the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his left shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, and lumbar degenerative disc disease.,The VA examiner is requested to provide clarification on the severity of the muscle group injuries in the Veteran's left shoulder as well as assess the impact of his newly service-connected cervical spine disability on his lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including evaluations for various disabilities and service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a tremor disorder and dry mouth, as well as an increased rating for right fibula fracture with traumatic arthritis, right ankle with scar.,No effective date is assigned in this decision.

The Veteran's initial rating for his service-connected left shoulder disability was denied, and a higher rating since August 27, 2020, is also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including lupus, weak bladder, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and gynecological problems, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since September 5, 2002. The Board has granted TDIU on an extraschedular basis from that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from December 31, 2015 to June 5, 2019. From June 5, 2019, the Veteran was in receipt of a 100% rating for lung cancer and SMC based on his additional service-connected disabilities.

The Board has found that additional examinations are necessary to address the Veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD and associated scars, as well as to determine if his hypoglycemia is related to these conditions. The issues of increased ratings for hiatal hernia with GERD and associated scars, TDIU, and SMC are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and a compensable rating for his left leg burn scar.,Service connection was not granted as there is no evidence of a current back disorder or any link to military service. The Veteran’s back disorder is considered to be related to post-service work activities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss of use of one or both feet, which is a requirement for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment. The Board denied the claim as the evidence does not support actual loss of use.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his depression and physical conditions such as back pain, knee issues, hip problems, and erectile dysfunction, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since February 8, 2013. The Board granted a TDIU for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Veteran's service connection claims for asthma, left lung scar, and lingular pneumonia have all been denied.,There is no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions that these conditions began during his military service.