Scars decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is granted effective June 22, 2010. The appeal for tinnitus and the scar post-surgery associated with right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding the Veteran's left knee surgical scar, specifically her pain and impact on walking.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with previous remand directives and proper development for the Veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran needs regular aid and attendance or housebound status based on his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to determine these requirements.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was dismissed as moot because he has been in receipt of a total (100 percent) disability rating since February 26, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are currently rated at 20 percent each. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's eligibility for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment is being remanded due to the need for updated medical examinations and records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tremors and a respiratory disorder, including asthma and COPD. The Veteran's tremors are denied as not related to military service or herbicide exposure. For the respiratory disorders, an addendum medical opinion is needed to determine if they began during service or are causally related.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a pulmonary disorder, including as due to herbicide exposure and contaminated water Camp LeJeune exposure. The evidence does not support a finding that his lung disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for left perianal scar as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected reoccurring rectal abscess with thrombosed hemorrhoids. The issue of an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for reoccurring rectal abscess with thrombosed hemorrhoids is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on his service-connected abdominal scars and urinary incontinence. The issues of TDIU due to service-connected conditions and a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to June 26, 2020, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter for posttraumatic stress disorder with depressive disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inconsistencies in the VA examinations and the need to obtain additional medical records. The Veteran's service-connected back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, painful scar, and linear scar are all being reviewed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, TMJ, and various musculoskeletal conditions have been denied. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for these conditions are also denied.,Additionally, the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus has been denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The rating for the back disability was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to January 21, 2020, and thereafter. Other claims for increased ratings or earlier effective dates were also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for basal cell carcinoma, including residual scars and disfigurement, finding that it is related to sun and environmental exposures during his service in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis B, renal failure as secondary to hepatitis B, and an abdominal scar as secondary to hepatitis B on a substitution basis. The Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for scarring on the axilla, GERD, and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity have been denied.,A rating in excess of 10% is not warranted for scarring on the axilla prior to March 27, 2019 or thereafter. The Veteran's GERD remains rated at 10%. A 20% rating is assigned for peripheral neuropathy of the RUE from April 19, 2016 onwards.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for her psychiatric disability and ankle disabilities. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on scar, residual of left inguinal hernia repair and residuals of scar or right thumb and scar right knee were denied.,Service connection for hepatitis C was also denied.