Scars decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The case was remanded for further action.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was initially denied prior to September 3, 2014. From that date until November 1, 2022, he received a 10 percent rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The right inguinal scar has been rated as 10 percent disabling since the examination in October 2022.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for a surgical scar of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have necessitated his reliance on others to attend to his daily personal activities, and the Board has determined that he requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD and heart issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for mouth scars and back condition have been denied. The claim for service connection for jaw condition (TMJ) has been remanded due to the need for a more definitive opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected left leg disabilities caused his alcohol use and/or cannabis use disorders.

The Veteran's initial ratings for scar, status post inguinal hernia and allergic rhinitis with deviated septum and sinusitis are denied. The Board finds a remand is necessary to obtain relevant treatment records and conduct an adequate VA examination.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) is denied as the Veteran does not have these conditions for VA purposes.

The Board has determined that additional evidence needs to be considered and the claims are being remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's umbilical hernia and left inguinal hernia scar need to be reassessed.

The Veteran's right thumb scars are rated as 20 percent disabling since April 23, 2021. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent is remanded due to the need for clarification on whether his hand shaking and numbness were caused or aggravated by his right thumb disability. Additionally, the Veteran's hearing loss is denied as he does not meet the criteria for a VA hearing loss disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability, as the previous VA examination did not comply with DeLuca and Correia requirements.

The Veteran's left knee disability, along with other service-connected conditions, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board denied a higher rating for the left knee disability and granted a TDIU effective October 7, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to procedural errors and need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The claim for right ankle tendonitis was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, while the other issues had their initial ratings denied.

The Veteran's skin condition is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective as of the date of decision. The right knee scar remains denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory condition and residuals of a lymph node removal, finding that there is no nexus between these conditions and his military service. The TDIU claim was also remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for scars on his facial area and chloracne, both claimed as related to exposure to herbicides. The claims are being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a maximum of 50% since April 17, 2018, based on very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.,The Veteran is also granted entitlement to TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities rendering him unable to work in any substantially gainful capacity.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals on all issues due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of November 28, 2016 for the award of a 20% evaluation for tender scars on the dorsum of the right toes. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted with an effective date of November 28, 2016.