Scars decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the statutory criteria for SMC based on housebound status. However, he may still qualify for SMC on a facts-found basis if his service-connected disabilities render him permanently housebound or in need of aid and attendance.

The Veteran's fourth finger scar is granted a rating of 10 percent. Service connection for PTSD and OSA are both granted.

The Board dismissed the claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and residual scars, which were under a legacy appeal system.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for his right shoulder scar was denied.,The Veteran's request for an increased rating to more than 20 percent for his right (major) shoulder rotator cuff tear was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues have been remanded due to incomplete service treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any right foot disorder, right shoulder disorder, right-sided hernia, right foot surgical scars, and right lower extremity nerve disorder. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further action.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder and denied increased ratings for right knee tendonitis, obstructive sleep apnea, right foot pes planus, right upper lip scar, and upper back sebaceous cyst.,A separate compensable rating was granted for painful scar post-upper back sebaceous cyst excision.

The Board has remanded the claims due to inadequate examinations and the need for updated evaluations of the Veteran's right knee, lumbosacral spine, and left shoulder disabilities. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for a left shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the cases of entitlement to a compensable disability rating for residuals of right eye corneal scar and service connection for bilateral glaucoma due to issues with scheduling an appropriate VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left hip disabilities, as well as unspecified arthritis of the cervical, bilateral shoulder, and bilateral elbow joints. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right and left knee disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since March 25, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and rating considerations due to incomplete information regarding the severity of his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings were denied. The effective date for the award of service connection for right upper and bilateral lower extremity scars was set at March 5, 2020, and for basal cell carcinoma of the head, neck, and face at January 17, 2008.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The effective date for TDIU benefits was set at January 1, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for a scar related to head trauma, left knee condition, right-hand condition, low back condition, and TBI. The Veteran is also receiving an increased rating of 10 percent for his right knee limitation of flexion.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a residual scar of basal cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma was denied as there is no evidence linking the conditions to his in-service herbicide exposure or military service.

The Veteran's right eye disability is granted as the result of exposure to environmental hazards during his service in the Gulf War. The left ankle scar and left ear hearing loss are denied.

The Veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of a scar on the chin, which he claims is due to the VA's cancelling his appointment and inability to treat his disorder in a continuous fashion. The Board has remanded this claim due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, residuals of a radical tonsillectomy, and scar status post thoracotomy as there is no evidence that these conditions began during or are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for appendectomy residual scar was denied, and the right knee disorder issue is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his severe peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease affecting his lower extremities, have resulted in a loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board has determined that the Veteran is eligible for specially adapted housing due to these conditions but not for special home adaptation or adaptive equipment.