Scars decisions — 2023

The Veteran's right shoulder scars and conditions have been evaluated, with some issues remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for hypertension or an abdominal scar, and there was no clear evidence of radiculopathy warranting separate ratings.

The Veteran's scars associated with his right lower extremity varicose veins are rated at 10 percent, but no greater. The Veteran's right lower extremity varicose veins are currently rated at 10 percent due to intermittent edema and aching in the leg after prolonged standing or walking.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances based on the use of a right ankle brace and skin ointments were denied as she did not have service-connected conditions that would qualify her for these allowances.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the original grant of service connection for an abdominal scar, as the March 2021 examination was not adequate to support a direct service connection. The Veteran's abdominal scar is determined to be due to pre-existing conditions rather than being aggravated by his time in service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for scarring as residuals of acne, tinea skin (claimed as barbae folliculitis) was denied. The claim for service connection for lumbar spine strain was granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for further development. The initial rating for left-hand radicular nerve impairment remains at 30 percent, and the rating for painful scarring of the left anterior shoulder is still at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was dismissed. The cases of service connection for chest scar, sensitive nipples (enlarged mammary glands), and torso problems are remanded.

The Board has remanded the appeal for further development and review of additional evidence, including VA and private treatment records. The issues on appeal include effective date determinations and service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance (A&A) is remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding his ability to perform daily activities.

For the period of May 10, 2018 to March 10, 2022, the Veteran's painful scars were rated at 30 percent.,Since March 10, 2022, the Veteran's painful scars have not met the criteria for a rating greater than 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee and left knee osteoarthritis are remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to assess the severity of his disabilities, including any flare-ups and repetitive use.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an adequate medical examination regarding the functionality of his left testis, which could impact the rating assigned for his service-connected left testicular atrophy.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the severity of his left palm scar condition and if he has a separate skin condition. The RO must also obtain all relevant medical records.

The Veteran's forehead scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it does not exhibit any characteristic of disfigurement or visible/palpable tissue loss, and there is no evidence of pain or other disabling effects. The claim for an initial compensable rating for the forehead scar is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and left temple scar did not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to August 21, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease with scar is remanded due to the need for additional examination to assess the extent of functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee and hip disabilities for further examination and evaluation.