Scars decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that the November 2018 VA examination is inadequate and remands both issues for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation and render him permanently housebound, thus meeting the criteria for TDIU and SMC based on housebound status.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's right lower extremity scars, right hip disability, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) claims. The VA will schedule the Veteran for a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right hip disability and provide him with a supplemental statement of the case regarding all issues remanded in this opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability and left-hand middle finger disability due to inadequate compliance with previous remand instructions. The VA is required to provide an addendum medical opinion regarding the onset of the Veteran's current low back disabilities, including pain, spasm, and spondylosis, as well as his pre-existing left-hand middle finger scar.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea and pulmonary scarring, which are related to asbestos exposure. The examiner is asked to provide an addendum opinion considering the Veteran's lay statements and medical literature.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to incomplete records and unclear events. The Veteran's representative cited articles and theories of entitlement, which need to be addressed in new opinions.

The Veteran's right little finger scar and status post fracture of the right little finger were both granted a disability rating. The scar was rated at 0 percent, while the fracture-related condition received a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded the cases for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his right shoulder scar and entitlement to TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues.

The Veteran's service-connected facial scar was denied an increased rating, with a current noncompensable disability rating prior to February 1, 2020, and a 30 percent disability rating from February 1, 2020 onwards.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete development of records from the Veteran's National Guard service period from June 1973 to January 1976. The claim for a residual scalp scar will be reconsidered with these additional records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted. The TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance eligibility prior to July 26, 2022 are also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's respiratory condition manifested by scarring of the lung apices and dyspnea, finding that it had onset during his active duty.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for shrapnel wound scars, finding that they are related to a combat injury during service and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder with anxiety, is granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. His left knee scar is granted a 10 percent evaluation for being painful or unstable. The right knee disability is granted a 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including left knee, right knee, low back, breast cancer, and thyroid disability, have been denied.,The Veteran's initial compensable rating for first right metatarsal joint degenerative changes with calcaneal spur has also been denied.

The Veteran's claims for cervical spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities have been denied. Additionally, his facial scars prior to April 15, 2022, tinnitus, and headaches have also been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for scarlet fever as there is no current diagnosis of scarlet fever and the evidence does not show a disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, thus his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence linking the claimed conditions to his military service.