Scars decisions — 2022

The Veteran's lung/respiratory disability, claimed as scarring of the lungs and emphysema, is denied because there is no evidence linking it to service. The Board found that smoking was more likely the cause of his current condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including STRs and MPRs. The Veteran also needs to provide copies of any non-VA treatment records he has in his possession.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate VA examinations, and new examinations are needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected scars.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to lose the use of both feet, qualifying him for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and knee conditions, preclude her from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for a left hand scar with residuals to include stiffness and limitation of movement of two fingers, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to a burn in service. The cervical spine disability, acquired psychiatric disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy/neuropathy are all remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for keratinocyte carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and scars on the face and neck secondary to these conditions based on a finding of sun exposure during military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine conditions, cardiovascular condition, fatigue, and a vision condition are remanded. Service connection is granted for the residuals of kidney and ureter removal and associated surgical scar.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and coronary artery bypass graft residuals rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment from August 31, 2011, to May 23, 2016. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board dismissed it.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected scars and right knee disability due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran is also entitled to a new examination for his right knee.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in an inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and therefore denied his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not result in the need for aid and attendance of another person, as she can perform most activities of daily living with assistance when needed.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for left (non-dominant) 5th digit impairment was denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to support reopening the claim. Service connection for PTSD, rhinitis, sinusitis, and a left lower extremity scar were remanded due to issues with rating decisions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further action regarding a compensable rating for left knee disability beginning April 10, 2017. The Veteran is currently rated at 30 percent for limited extension and no higher under Diagnostic Code 5261.

The Veteran's combined effects of his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for facial scarring, TBI residuals, a low back condition, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a respiratory condition have been dismissed. The claims of entitlement to service connection for the low back condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder were reopened due to new evidence submitted since the final decisions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, vertigo associated with tinnitus, and tinnitus associated with bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Veteran is granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, with the condition being his right shoulder instability and rotator cuff tendinopathy.