Scars decisions — 2023

The Veteran is granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including depression and other conditions. The effective date of this decision is August 28, 2023.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand numbness, scar, right hand, and right hand condition due to a lack of credible evidence showing an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for cholesteatoma in both ears and service connection for dizziness are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's scars are not rated as compensable, but service connection for a back disability and chest mass is granted. Service connection for a hernia, right knee disability, and left knee disability is denied.,Service connection for the Veteran's back and chest disabilities is granted based on continuity of symptomatology since service. The Veteran's current hernia, right knee, and left knee disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board has reopened several service connection claims but denied some, resulting in a mixed disposition. The Veteran's new evidence relates to the unestablished facts necessary for reopening these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment during the period from September 22, 2009, to prior to December 16, 2017. Therefore, entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted for this period.

The Veteran's status postoperative left knee scar is granted a 10 percent evaluation prior to December 10, 2018 and no higher thereafter.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been granted initial disability ratings, with the exception of intervertebral disc syndrome with sacroiliac strain and degenerative arthritis, which has been increased to 40 percent effective June 16, 2021. The remaining conditions have received initial disability ratings ranging from 10 to 40 percent.

The Board has determined that additional relevant medical evidence must be obtained and associated with the Veteran's claims file before a final decision can be made on her increased disability evaluation for scar, left index finger; service connection for right knee disorder; service connection for respiratory disorder (including allergies); and service connection for right ankle disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his left and right chin scars, residual of shell fragment wound, is being remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation from November 30, 2009, through November 14, 2014. He also has diabetes which is rated at over 60 percent. Therefore, TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate are granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development and compliance with prior remand directives, including obtaining an examination that considers the rating criteria in effect on February 29, 2000.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, lumbosacral strain, eczema of the bilateral upper extremities and hands, scarring alopecia (perifolliculitis capitis abscedens), and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) facial have all been denied. The Board found no evidence to support service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lung cancer and a surgical scar secondary to lung cancer due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during service in the Republic of Vietnam, as well as possible asbestos and jet fuel exposures. The claims are also remanded for a VA TERA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance/housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he does not require regular aid and assistance.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in the October 2021 hearing where the Veteran's right knee scars were not specifically questioned regarding their instability and pain. The case will be remanded for a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's right knee scars.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an opinion regarding service connection for varicose veins as secondary to service-connected right ankle tenosynovitis. The effective date of the rating for the right ankle scar remains April 1, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, and scars from bilateral shoulder surgery disabilities due to inadequate opinions in prior examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with its previous remand order. The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for scar, status post surgery bilateral inguinal hernia is now pending and requires further examination.