Scars decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed for the claims of PTSD, broken right hand, left knee injury, TBI, and scar on the back of the head. The Veteran will need to provide updated VA treatment records and undergo examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD, assess whether any diagnosed right-hand disabilities are related to his service-connected PTSD, evaluate the etiology of any left knee conditions, clarify whether the Veteran has a TBI, and determine if there is a scar on the back of his head. The claims will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to incomplete records and issues with the evaluation of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for higher staged ratings for painful thoracotomy scars is denied as the evidence does not support a finding of functional impairment equivalent to 3 or 4 unstable or painful scars before July 6, 2022, or 5 or more unstable or painful scars from that date.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions provided are inadequate, as they did not distinguish between service-connected symptoms and nonservice-connected post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS). Therefore, another remand is required to obtain an addendum opinion from the examiner.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional medical evidence and VA examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected left knee disability, including a scar. The TDIU claim will be further developed in conjunction with an examination to assess the impact of these disabilities on employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, gynecomastia, and scarring status post gynecomastia has been reopened. Service connection is granted for the latter two conditions but denied for the former. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran's migraines are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hepatitis C and increased ratings for PTSD, multiple traumas to left hand, dermatitis, and a scar are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's residuals of coccidioidomycosis, including residuals of surgical resection of the left lower lobe of the lung, are granted a 50% disability rating. The three small scars on his chest are rated as non-compensable.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the severity of the Veteran's eye disabilities, the etiology of her visual field defects and headaches, and whether she is entitled to a compensable rating prior to February 21, 2018, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter for iritis of the right eye, chorioretinal scar of the right eye, and angle closure glaucoma, to include bilateral dry eye syndrome.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for surgical scar status post lumbar laminectomy and diskectomy prior to March 6, 2020, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his claimed arthritis, feet scarring, and feet blisters. The claims will be readjudicated after the additional evidence and opinions are obtained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, left calf scar, and skin lesions are denied. The case is REMANDED to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the relationship of these conditions to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted his claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding a compensable disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) with scarring, as the Veteran opted his legacy appeal into the modernized review system in January 2020.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals for the issues of service connection for various upper and lower extremity conditions. The Board dismissed these appeals.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee disabilities and TDIU due to the Veteran not reporting to scheduled VA examinations. The matter will be further adjudicated after obtaining updated medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with the effective date of TDIU and concerns about VA's duty to assist. The Veteran needs a retrospective medical opinion regarding his ability to work given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the need for regular aid and attendance, as he is able to perform self-care activities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increase in the rating for PTSD, left elbow fracture, and post-concussive headaches at a June 2022 video conference hearing.