Scars decisions — 2022

The Veteran's ankle disability is being remanded due to concerns about the care he received from VA medical professionals, which may have caused or exacerbated his condition.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is currently rated at 20 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted. The Veteran does not require regulation of activities to manage his diabetes. As for TDIU, the evidence shows that the Veteran has met the schedular criteria but is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PFB has been reopened, and his asthma has been granted. His abdominal scars, sinusitis, right inguinal hernia, and left inguinal hernia have also been granted increased ratings.,However, the issues of service connection for PFB and increased ratings for chronic asthma, sinusitis, right inguinal hernia, and left inguinal hernia are being remanded due to further development needed.

The Veteran's PFB and related facial scars are granted as service-connected.

The appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

For the period prior to January 9, 2018, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.,The Veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected back and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left ankle disability was denied. The case is now remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for gastric ulcer and diabetes mellitus type II.,The Board found that there was no ankylosis or instability in the Veteran's left ankle, which precluded a higher rating. The case is now remanded to provide addendum opinions addressing whether any current gastrointestinal disorder and/or diabetes mellitus were proximately caused by his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, have precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to July 20, 2021. However, he was employed as a forklift operator in a protected environment until July 20, 2021.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for colon condition and skin cancer, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to May 11, 2015, for a separate 10 percent rating assigned for right foot disorders and scars based on allegations of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in prior rating decisions. The RO must adjudicate these claims and inform the Veteran of her appellate rights.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disability rating is 40 percent, which does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU. The evidence does not support that his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and earlier effective dates were dismissed. The appeal seeking a TDIU prior to October 4, 2021, is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and no issues remain for decision.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals, left brachial plexus injury and left shoulder arthrofibrosis (exclusive of the period from August 16, 2016, until December 31, 2016, during which time a temporary total rating was assigned under 38 C.F.R. � 4.30) and denied a temporary total rating for left hallux valgus deformity after May 30, 2013. The Board also remanded the claim for a TDIU for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and knee conditions. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address these issues.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been granted an increased rating of 20 percent effective June 7, 2022. Service connection for a lumbar scar is also granted.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's right foot disability warrants a 30 percent evaluation, and his painful right foot scar warrants a 10 percent evaluation. The right ankle strain issue is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including thalassemia/chronic microcytic anemia and shoulder conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his fatigue and shortness of breath.