Scars decisions — 2023

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable evaluation for surgical scar of the right wrist, other than painful scar was denied. However, the Veteran was granted a separate 10 percent disability rating for his painful scar on the right wrist effective October 13, 2017.

The Board denied payment or reimbursement for non-VA medical care for miscarriage as a Camp Lejeune family member.,The Board remanded the claim of entitlement to payment or reimbursement for non-VA medical care for Parkinson's disease as a Camp Lejeune family member, due to incomplete information and records.

The Veteran's service-connected scars, distal aspect of the third metatarsal bilateral, need to be reassessed due to a lack of recent examination. Updated VA treatment records are also needed.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities for the period from September 27, 2012 to December 28, 2015 and for the period from December 29, 2015 to present.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) and denied increased ratings for hyperpigmented scars due to PFB.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases are being remanded due to the receipt of additional VA treatment records. The Board will review all evidence, including new records, and issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for residual scar, left knee and a higher than 10 percent rating for right lateral malleolus fracture have been dismissed due to the Veteran's satisfaction with his total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 1, 2006 for the Veteran's entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities. The decision is based on the evidence showing that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since this date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to February 6, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected gunshot wound has been granted, and a separate rating of 10% for a painful scar on the right flank is also granted. The effective date for these changes is March 10, 1973.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations of her eye disorder and ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of umbilical hernia scar, bursitis, and hemorrhoids have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is at least as likely as not related to his military service. Service connection was denied for scars, status post left upper lobe granuloma removal.

The Board has decided that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU, but has remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and scars residual of gynecomastia status post mastectomy, ultrasound liposuction and donut mastopexy are granted. The claims for service connection for right and left ankle disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed as moot due to the full grant of benefits in prior decisions.

The Veteran's COPD with chronic bronchitis is granted as presumptively due to exposure to specified substances, chemicals, or airborne hazards while serving in Kuwait. The cardiac condition and scar claims are remanded for further development.

Service connection is granted for diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities, and erectile dysfunction.,Service connection is denied for a chronic lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to incorrect characterization of issues, changes in contact information, and scheduling errors. The Veteran is seeking service connection for an allergy to penicillin and increased ratings for various disabilities.