Scars decisions — 2021

The Board has granted service connection for preexisting acne and acne scarring, finding that the Veteran's condition was aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for acne vulgaris with residual scarring, finding that the Veteran's current skin issues are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's partial right knee replacement is currently rated at 10 percent prior to January 24, 2020 and 20 percent since that date. The Board finds the current ratings are appropriate.,For the period prior to January 24, 2020, the Veteran’s right knee was manifested by flexion to 130 degrees and extension to zero degrees with tenderness, swelling and pain; there was no evidence of recurrent subluxation, lateral instability, or dislocated semilunar cartilage. For the period since January 24, 2020, the Veteran’s right knee was manifested by flexion to 30 degrees and extension to zero degrees with tenderness, pain, swelling, weakness and fatigue; there was no evidence of recurrent subluxation, lateral instability, or dislocated semilunar cartilage.

The Board denied a higher rating for left knee replacement scars, finding that the scars were neither painful nor unstable and did not cover an area of 39 square centimeters or more.

The Board dismissed the claim of entitlement to service connection for right-sided facial scarring as it was granted in an October 2020 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's initial claim for a scar of the head was denied as his single scar did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for residuals of TBI and right knee condition were both denied due to lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or illness. Service connection for left knee condition, migraine headaches, and pulmonary condition were also denied.

The Board has remanded several issues, including reopening of claims for service connection and increased ratings for various disabilities. The effective dates for the awards are not specified.

The Board has remanded the claims for a TBI and head scar, right orbit, to ensure compliance with the August 2019 remand directive. The AOJ must obtain an adequate VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed TBI and head scar.

The Veteran's service-connected skin conditions do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, considering his education and experience.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral exercise-induced compartment syndrome status post five compartment fasciotomies with residual scars is denied prior to November 8, 2013. As of November 8, 2013, a staged 10 percent rating is granted.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's right thigh scar, headaches, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and neck disability have been granted increased ratings. The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy and peripheral vestibular disease remain denied. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has also been remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment as of December 1, 2018.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including gunshot wound residuals and scars, hip pain and numbness, knee pain, PTSD, and skin rashes due to herbicide exposure. The appeals are granted.

The Veteran's ratings for residuals of a colostomy and laparotomy involving muscle groups XIX were restored, effective September 1, 2021. The tender scar rating was also restored to 10 percent effective the same date.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate examinations and incomplete information. The Veteran's claims of higher disability ratings for his service-connected conditions are now pending.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of right knee and left knee disabilities, as well as his claim for a left foot injury. The Veteran's initial compensable rating for left elbow scar is granted, but he remains denied for right thumb/hand scars and right axillary scar.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a cervical-thoracic spine condition, right and left ankle conditions, traumatic brain injury, and headaches. The Board found that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for residuals of lung cancer, including scars and a left upper lobectomy, is being remanded due to worsening symptoms. The case also includes an issue regarding service connection for a rib fracture.