Scars decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), post-operative residuals of left acromioclavicular separation, right radius fracture residuals, hypertension, asthma, and a scar from shoulder surgery, have combined to make him unable to work. The Board has granted his claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's scars on the abdomen are rated at 20 percent, but not higher. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to instability or additional painful scars.,The Veteran's exploratory laparotomy and status post colon surgery is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board concludes that the disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating under current diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral shoulders, tinnitus, and scars) prevent him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for chest scars, an evaluation of 100 percent for heart conditions prior to June 9, 2023, special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria prior to June 9, 2023, and basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance prior to June 9, 2023.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neurological disorders of the left and right hands, as well as chronic bilateral foot pain and tension headaches have been denied. The Veteran's claims for these conditions are being remanded to allow for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for high cholesterol and a nose scar, as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to a lack of medical evidence linking the Veteran's claimed conditions to his military service.

The Board granted a disability rating of 50 percent, but not higher, for pseudofolliculitis barbae with facial scarring effective May 28, 2020.

The Board granted service connection for a back disability and increased the ratings for left and right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome to 60 percent and 50 percent, respectively. The Veteran was also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board granted service connection for multiple heart disabilities, diabetes mellitus, type II, hypothyroidism, bladder cancer, hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, peripheral neuropathies, bilateral non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and erectile dysfunction based on the Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Korea.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left upper extremity scar, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD, diagnosed as bipolar I disorder), allergic rhinitis, chronic gastrointestinal disability, and anemia. The case is remanded to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss, sleep apnea, scars, diabetes mellitus type II, left thumb tenosynovitis, dermatitis, and tinnitus have all been denied.,The effective date for the award of service connection for IBS has been dismissed as a matter of law.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and bilateral shin splints have been granted service connection. The cervical spine, lumbar spine, right elbow, and miscarriage claims are remanded for further development.,Service connection has been established for fibromyalgia and bilateral shin splints based on their relationship to active duty service.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased ratings and denied service connection for right foot pes planus, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease stage 3.

The Board denied a compensable rating for ingrown toenails, right 5th toe dermatophytosis and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, granted a 20 percent rating for radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve of the left lower extremity effective October 31, 2021, and denied compensable ratings for scars of the left forearm and ankle as well as an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for hypertension, a lower right back scar, and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed due to his request for a hearing that was not provided.

The Board has denied service connection for scars, lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability. The Veteran's peripheral vestibular disorder was also denied as secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeals for PTSD, tinnitus, lumbar strain, sleep apnea, cervical strain, upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, adjustment disorder, and a left elbow scar were dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals. The claims for increased ratings of bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome are denied as the Veteran failed to attend scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding service connection for scars of both hands and forearms, a back condition, and allergies. The Board dismissed the appeal as these issues were withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection were denied as the earliest possible effective date provided by law is August 11, 2021.