Scars decisions — 2022

The Veteran's eye condition, including a newly diagnosed floater, is being reviewed due to changes in his disability since the last examination. The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess these issues.

The Veteran's gunshot wound, left foot with Muscle Group X sensory residuals is currently rated at 30 percent and the issues regarding scar associated with the gunshot wound are also denied. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent. His right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is not higher than 30 percent, while his left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is not higher than 10 percent.,The Veteran's PTSD and TDIU issues have been remanded for further development.

The Board has vacated the May 12, 2021 decision and remanded for consideration of additional evidence related to right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of current hearing loss.,The Veteran's appendectomy scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under VA regulations.,The Veteran's TBI, PTSD, and related conditions are remanded due to missing service treatment records.,The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and thoracic/lumbar spine arthritis, cervical spine disability, tinnitus, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and psychiatric disorder are all remanded for further development.,The Veteran's right foot disability, left foot disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability are also remanded due to missing service treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, PTSD, skin disability, tinnitus, and others, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from July 2, 2003 to July 25, 2007. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Veteran's service-connected duodenitis with gastric reflux and post-operative scar associated with the gastrointestinal disorder prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection and rating increases related to various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left knee disorder, migraine headaches, lumbar spine disability, right knee injury with posttraumatic arthritis, and scar from pyelolithotomy. The appeal is dismissed as the claims are withdrawn.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on low back strain, lumbar radiculopathy (lower right extremity), and scar have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, which the Board has granted TDIU. The issues of SMC based on housebound criteria or aid and attendance are also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of qualifying conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of kidney cancer and scars associated with kidney cancer for further development. The case of TDIU is also remanded due to incomplete information provided by the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher combined disability rating, finding that the calculation of his combined rating was correct and that he did not meet the criteria for a higher combined rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and conflicting medical records, requiring additional VA examination and treatment record retrieval.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left shoulder scar.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to January 18, 2017.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on a higher level of special aid and attendance due to his need for personal health-care services provided daily in his home by licensed professionals, necessitating nursing home care if not provided.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his depressive disorder and various finger disabilities, have caused significant functional impairment that has prevented him from obtaining substantially gainful employment prior to March 19, 2021. The Board granted an extraschedular TDIU rating based on these factors.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to conflicting medical evidence and the need for additional opinions. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, coronary artery disease, hypertension, left hand swelling, right hand swelling, and scars are all under review.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis, finding that her service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.