Scars decisions — 2023

The Veteran's residual head injury scar is found to be painful and warrants an initial 10 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's status post right inguinal herniorrhaphy with scars is granted a 30 percent rating.,Prior to March 14, 2014, the Veteran's low back benign intradermal inclusion cysts are granted a 20 percent rating. Since March 14, 2014, the Veteran's low back benign intradermal inclusion cysts are granted a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a gastrointestinal disability (other than gastroesophageal reflux disease) is denied. The claims for increased ratings of lumbar spine, right knee chondromalacia with quadriceps and popliteal tendinopathy and osteoarthritis, left knee chondromalacia with quadriceps and popliteal tendinopathy and osteoarthritis, and right knee meniscal tear are all denied. The Veteran's service-connected residual scars, bilateral gynecomastia, status post liposuction and bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy, and residual scars of the anterior trunk and chest do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's chest scar as a residual of a stab wound, right ear hearing loss disability, back disability, bilateral hip replacements, and supraventricular arrhythmia, AICD, and valvular heart disease with mitral and tricuspid regurgitation are all granted. The claims for service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's keloid scar condition. The Veteran served on active duty from October 1978 to November 1983.

The Veteran's caesarean section scar, hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy, bladder disorder, bowel disorder, and severe anemia are all being remanded for further development.,Specifically, the Board is requesting additional opinions to address whether these conditions are related to her in-service caesarean section.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and need for further medical evaluation of the Veteran's left arm nerve damage.

The Veteran withdrew all of her remaining claims and appeals pending before the Board, including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a rating in excess of 30 percent for right ulnar traumatic neuropathy, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for residual tender scar, right elbow.

The Veteran's service connection for hypertension, lumbar strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, and post-operative gynecomastia was granted. The Veteran also received increased ratings for left hip limitation of extension and left thigh impairment. Other issues were remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for a scar and asbestosis due to the Appellant's withdrawal of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for compensable evaluations for residual scars to the appendix and shoulder, as well as a forehead laceration, have been denied due to lack of evidence supporting higher ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left ear scar, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since September 8, 2016. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from that date.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is dismissed as he has requested withdrawal of his appeal in its entirety.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection or higher ratings on several conditions have been dismissed. The claims for sebaceous cyst of the nose, chronic pharyngitis, and chronic sinusitis were reopened but not granted. Service connection for chronic sinusitis is granted under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's service-connected intestinal disability and scar are being remanded for additional examinations to determine their current severity.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is now rated at 20 percent for the period beginning October 27, 2022. The Veteran's painful scars on her left ankle are not service-connected and thus do not warrant additional evaluations.

The Veteran's right upper extremity scar, left upper extremity scars, bilateral lower extremity scars, and posterior trunk scar are all denied initial compensable ratings as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.,The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for eczema prior to November 6, 2020 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter and service connection for a sleep disorder are REMANDED.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for a right knee scar associated with degenerative joint disease of the right knee, a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee, and service connection for hypertensive vascular disease. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and consideration.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and psychiatric disability, as well as assessing the current severity of his lumbar spine, lower extremity radiculopathy, back scars, and left ear perforated tympanic membrane.

The Board has remanded the cases for compliance with previous directives and to obtain additional medical records. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings related to tarsal tunnel syndrome in the left ankle, a left ankle scar, and a low back disability are being reviewed.