Scars decisions — 2024

The Veteran's cholesterol, right wrist arthritis, left ankle disability, and blood condition were not incurred during active duty service.,The Veteran's bilateral shoulder arthritis, left wrist arthritis, right ankle disability, and left arm scar pain do not have a current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial compensable ratings for service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, status-post spinal fusion, and scars, status-post spinal fusion are being remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The VA needs to schedule a new examination to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluations for scar, status post resection of right and left big toes are denied. The Board also found that the Veteran was not precluded from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities prior to June 5, 2020, thus denying entitlement to TDIU and DEA benefits prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and SMC have been granted with effective dates of November 3, 2017. The conditions were found to be related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded all issues on appeal due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of various service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations, and the Board found that he did not provide good cause.

The Board has granted service connection for voiding dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea. The claim for a higher rating for the scar of the left testicle was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a scar of the chin and lower lip, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, watery eyes, sleep disability, right collar bone pain, skin disability of the toenails (tinea unguium), skin disability claimed as a back rash due to an allergic reaction, chronic dizziness, erectile dysfunction, and chronic headache disability have been granted. The claims for service connection for these conditions are now considered resolved.

The Veteran's claim for a separate noncompensable rating for his left forearm scar is granted. His claim for a 70% rating for his psychiatric disability beginning on August 12, 2014, is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to August 10, 2022, for the grant of service connection for his conditions are remanded due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right foot, left foot, and hip disabilities have been denied. The Veteran is granted initial 10 percent ratings for his service-connected right knee scar and left knee.,A TDIU has been granted based on the combined effect of multiple service-connected disabilities rendering him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder does not meet the criteria for SMC based on aid and attendance due to his ability to dress, feed himself, and perform daily activities. He is also not considered housebound due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected s/p bilateral salpingectomy and vaginitis were denied initial compensable disability ratings. However, her scars, status post laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomy completed with ligature and left ovarian cystectomy, received a 10% rating.

Your appeal for service connection for appendectomy residuals and scars has been dismissed as you have withdrawn your request to proceed with the hearing.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected as they did not manifest during or within one year after separation from active service, and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that the conditions existed prior to service.,The Veteran's left-hand disability and right-hand disability do not meet the criteria for service connection as there is no medical evidence of a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's appeal to restore his spouse and dependent children from his VA disability compensation award was dismissed as all dependents were restored or removed based on their eligibility for additional dependency compensation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression, left elbow conditions, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and experience.

The Board has remanded the claim due to a duty to assist error regarding psychiatric disorders related to service-connected disabilities. The appellant contends that the Veteran's death was caused by his military service and/or his service-connected conditions.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding higher ratings for splenectomy, scar of mid abdomen, and service connection for left-hand, right-hand, and right shoulder conditions. The Veteran was granted a 50% rating for headaches.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU from February 2, 2013, to October 10, 2018, due to his service-connected disabilities rendering him incapable of substantial gainful employment.