Scars decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma with scarring due to inadequate medical opinions in the previous decision. The VA is required to obtain a new opinion addressing the etiology of these conditions, specifically whether they are proximately due to or the result of long-term immunosuppressive therapy used to treat Crohn's disease, any incremental increase in disability from this therapy, and exposure to ultraviolet light while on active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, heart disability, left knee pain, and migraines, have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantial gainful employment since November 11, 2005. A temporary total rating for convalescence associated with a right shoulder condition is denied, but a TDIU is granted effective November 11, 2005.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable due to their collective impact, as he can still perform the physical and mental acts required by most jobs.

The Veteran's disability rating for her service-connected residual scar from bilateral ovarian cyst removal is being remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for another VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for insomnia associated with his left inguinal hernia was granted, and the effective date is set at April 9, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fatigue, gastrointestinal disorder (constipation and irritable colon syndrome), respiratory disorder (pleurisy), and scars of the trunk and extremities were denied. The Board found that these conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed and remands the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of the left knee disability and scar.

The Veteran's metatarsalgia and painful scars of the feet are not rated higher than their current levels.,The Veteran is denied an initial compensable rating for linear scars of the feet.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's temporary total rating for convalescence due to surgery on August 27, 2014, and increased PTSD rating are both denied.

The Board has denied service connection for a lung disability, including atelectasis and nodules. The decision also remanded the claims for right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression with panic disorder and alcohol use disorder, bilateral hallux valgus (bunions), painful surgical scars on the feet, pes planus, hammer toes of the feet, and thoracolumbar strain and scoliosis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder with panic disorder and alcohol use disorder has prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since October 1, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate rationale in a previous VA examiner's opinion regarding service connection for uterine fibroids. The Veteran needs another examination and an updated medical opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is required to protect her from hazards or dangers incident to her daily environment. As a result, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating need further development due to incomplete information or evidence. The issues have been remanded for additional examinations, record requests, and opinions.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective July 17, 2014. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of unemployability prior to this date.

The appeals for service connection on various conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's left posterior lateral mid-trunk circular scar has been painful, but stable. The Board granted an increased evaluation of 10 percent for the scar prior to November 17, 2021 and denied a rating in excess of 10 percent since that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches is granted. The claim for service connection for scarring on lungs is remanded due to lack of evidence and need for verification.

The Veteran's residuals of a partial gastrectomy for ulcer disease were rated at 60% effective March 12, 2010. The scar associated with the condition was also rated at 10%. The incisional ventral hernia remains noncompensable.