Scars decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that the effective dates for service connection and initial disability ratings are not warranted prior to June 12, 2007 or July 6, 2007. The claims have been REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than March 18, 2015 and September 15, 2017 have been dismissed.,An effective date of September 15, 2017 has been assigned for the award of service connection for lung cancer.,A compensable disability rating in excess of 10 percent for CAD prior to September 22, 2017 has been granted.,Beginning September 22, 2017, a rating in excess of 10 percent for CAD has not been met.,New and material evidence having been submitted, the claim of entitlement to service connection for a liver disorder is reopened.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder) has been granted.,The Veteran's claims for stomach ulcers have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his right knee condition and scar is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings of various scar disabilities, TBI residuals, and migraine headaches has been granted. The Veteran also received SMC at the housebound rate.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and a TDIU due to incomplete examinations, lack of medical records, and need for additional assessments.

The Board has determined that the reduction in rating for the scarring on the left side of the Veteran's face, near his eye from 30 to 0 percent as of August 1, 2016, was appropriate based on improvement observed during a VA examination.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service-connected scar, lateral left thigh; left hip strain (based on thigh impairment); left hip strain (based on limitation of flexion); and bilateral hearing loss. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Board has dismissed all appeals regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ratings and service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability warrants restoration of a separate 20 percent rating for post-operative internal derangement under Diagnostic Code 5257, but remanded for further development regarding increased ratings and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of painful scars and scars of the right and left lower extremities have been withdrawn. The appeal for service connection of a bilateral ankle condition has been remanded due to lack of current evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and clarification of his service dates in order to properly adjudicate his claims.

The Board has granted reconsideration of the denial for service connection for a history of miscarriages or residuals thereof. The case is remanded to determine if exposure to environmental hazards, such as radiation and asbestos, caused these conditions.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted service connection due to presumed exposure in Thailand. The Board has also remanded for further examination regarding scarring of the stomach and a temporary total rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, anxiety and depression, and right knee scars are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and further analysis of his hip disability.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and has remanded the remaining issues on appeal due to incomplete service records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residual scar status post total right hip arthroplasty and for a compensable initial disability rating for scar, right hip due to concerns about underlying soft tissue damage.

The Veteran's abdominal scar associated with hydronephrosis is currently rated as noncompensable (0 percent) due to the lack of painful or unstable scars, and does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran's mood disorder with depressive features associated with hydronephrosis is currently rated at 50 percent disabling. The evidence does not support an increase in disability rating beyond this level.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for referral to VA's Director of Compensation for consideration of whether a TDIU on an extraschedular basis under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) is warranted prior to January 12, 2015.