Scars decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to the need for an examination.,The Veteran's claims for additional disabling effects of scarring to include impairment of the ability to eat and speak are being remanded as VA undertakes the effort to provide the Veteran with a VA examination, which must be adequate in order to fully form its evaluation of the claim.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a dental disorder for both VA compensation purposes and treatment purposes are being remanded due to the need for an examination.,The Veteran's initial disability rating of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 7804 for scarring of the upper lip is being remanded, as well as his initial noncompensable disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7800 for scarring of the upper lip.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to her service-connected disabilities and new claims for various conditions. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the Veteran's failure to appear at scheduled VA examinations, as well as the need to obtain authorization for medical records from civilian facilities and personnel records regarding her deployments.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during active service and granted service connection for this condition. The remaining issues have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's current anxiety disorder is proximately due to, or the result of, his adjudicated service-connected disabilities. Service connection for an anxiety disorder as secondary to his service-connected disabilities has been granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right hand thumb and finger disabilities.

The Veteran's initial rating for a residual scar of the right shoulder was granted at 10 percent, effective October 20, 2021. The Veteran's right (dominant) shoulder impingement status post Mumford repair has been rated as 40 percent disabling since October 30, 2005, to February 12, 2015; and from October 20, 2021, the rating was increased to 70 percent for generalized anxiety and panic disorder. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a TDIU is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his postoperative residuals of a left inguinal hernia and consequent scarring due to incomplete VA examination reports. The additional development needed includes obtaining a supplemental VA medical opinion addressing neurological manifestations, functional impairment, and missed work due to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include right and left knee disabilities, bilateral hip disability, left leg scars, and an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, lumbosacral strain, TBI, headaches, right ring finger fracture, scar of the proximal right lateral calf, and proximal right anterior thigh scars were denied. The VA determined that the current evidence did not support higher disability evaluations based on the severity of the service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee and scar disabilities were remanded due to the possibility of increased severity since their last examination in May 2017. Additional VA examinations are needed to assess current symptomatology and disability levels.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability and an initial compensable rating for a left ankle scar. The Veteran's bilateral flat feet were granted a 50% rating effective May 7, 2022.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy and scars related to injuries sustained in service.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are remanded due to deficiencies in the April 2018 VA medical opinion and need for an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician, preferably an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor).

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of bilateral knee condition due to the appellant's withdrawal. The remaining issues were remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination for the right ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and adjudication due to issues with obtaining necessary medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, neck condition, right shoulder condition, and carpal tunnel in the right hand, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for left wrist disorder, condyloma acuminate, bilateral elbow disorders, and bilateral hand disorders have been dismissed. The Veteran is now service-connected for bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral hallux valgus, and a painful scar related to his service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Veteran's right little finger disability is rated at the maximum allowed under Diagnostic Code 5227, and his left leg scar is rated as a 10 percent rating due to instability. Both ratings are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected right hand, left knee, and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations. The initial rating for jagged scar, right hand lateral palm prior to January 23, 2017 is denied.