Scars decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected disfiguring scalp scars and painful scalp scars have been rated at the highest available levels (50% for disfiguring scars, 30% for painful scars) based on their current manifestations. The Board found that these ratings are appropriate given the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral exudative macular degeneration was denied, but a new and material evidence submission reopened the claim. The left hand scars were granted as service connected.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine and scars, back, status post shave biopsy were denied. The rating for degenerative arthritis was not granted as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board found that the Veteran is currently employed as a police officer, which means he cannot meet the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed for the Veteran's right ankle condition and associated scar due to lack of discussion on flare-ups.,A new VA examination is also required for her back, right wrist, right knee, and left-hand scar conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection. The claims for blurred vision, right and left shoulder disabilities, right and left hand disabilities, periodontal disease, bilateral pes planus, unequal leg length, erectile dysfunction, hemorrhoids, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergic rhinitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and bilateral elbow and wrist scars were all denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of a 40 percent rating for IVDS prior to October 13, 2016 was denied. The Veteran did not file a timely appeal after the November 2011 decision.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left second toe scar is dismissed as he did not file a timely appeal of the December 2009 rating decision that granted service connection with an effective date of November 26, 2008.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction was denied. The evidence does not show penile deformity or other impairment associated with erectile dysfunction.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for IVDS is denied as the evidence does not show ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine, and there are no incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for a 60 percent rating under the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities is granted as his education and work history prevented him from performing employment duties due to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's claims for bilateral hip disability, right ear hearing loss, PTSD, joint condition, and dental condition are remanded as new evidence has been submitted that may reopen these previously denied claims.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss is remanded as new evidence has been submitted that may reopen this previously denied claim.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates and service connection claims have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and addendum opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, chloracne-related scars, and a painful left abdominal scar are being remanded due to the need for additional development. The claim for TDIU is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete examinations and oversight in previous evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and lack of information regarding flare-ups. The Veteran's left thumb disability, including her scar, needs further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraines has been granted, and she is now receiving a 50% rating. She also received a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to her migraine headaches since January 1, 2018. Additionally, she was awarded special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's burn scar on the back is granted a disability rating of 40 percent, but no higher.,The Veteran's burn scar on the right lower arm is granted a disability rating of 20 percent, but no higher.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection, rating increases, and TDIU due to incomplete review of recent VA treatment records and need for additional medical examination.

The Board has remanded several claims related to service connection, effective dates, and ratings for various conditions including sinusitis, tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, a scalp scar, traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, and alcohol abuse disorder. The AOJ is instructed to consider all additional evidence received since the last adjudication in February 2020 and March 2020.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require regular aid and attendance, thus denying his claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance by another person.

The Board has granted service connection for recurrent histoplasmosis residuals including atelectasis, bilateral lung scarring, and bilateral ocular histoplasmosis, finding that these conditions originated during active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's use of Gabapentin for his service-connected lipoma scar and non-service connected neurological pain. The case will be adjudicated again with this information.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and evaluations are necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and other issues. The Veteran is being asked to provide updated treatment records and undergo VA examinations to determine the severity of his right shoulder condition, nature and etiology of his headaches, forehead scar, back condition, and bilateral knee conditions.

The Veteran's painful scars associated with the right knee disability are granted a 30% rating from January 2, 2020. The compensable evaluation for linear scars is denied.