Scars decisions — 2024

Service connection for tinnitus is granted, and the case is remanded for further examination regarding service connection for a head injury with scar.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for his linear scar, left leg and initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed as the appellant has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of both arms and legs, finding that his conditions did not meet the criteria for SMC(k), SMC(l), or any other applicable rating.

The Board denied a combined rating in excess of 60 percent for the veteran's service-connected disabilities, as the overall combined rating is 60 percent.

The VA denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's service-connected scars, right hip post-operative. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7802.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and increased the rating for residuals of right thumb cyst surgery to 20 percent, while denying a compensable disability rating for the surgical scar. The claims for back, left knee, and radiculopathy disabilities were remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected multiple scars on the left posterior forearm and remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for a left wrist scar.

The Veteran seeks earlier effective dates for a 50 percent rating for PFB and service connection for painful scarring on his neck. The Board finds that the earliest effective date available is February 16, 2020, for both conditions.,A 50 percent rating for PFB was granted effective February 16, 2020, but no earlier. Service connection for painful scarring on the neck was also granted effective September 15, 2021.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of surgical scars of the lower abdomen, a residual of cholecystectomy, is denied. The Board found that no earlier effective date could be assigned as the December 2015 filing was not prior to the January 2007 final denial.

The Board has dismissed the claims for increased evaluations of right groin strain, bowel obstruction, and abdominal scars as they are duplicates of a previously addressed appeal.

The Board has granted effective dates of August 15, 2017 for increased ratings of 20 percent each for acne scarring related to rheumatological SAPHO syndrome in the Veteran's head, face, trunk, right upper extremity, and left upper extremity. The effective date is based on a finding that there was a factually ascertainable increase in disability within one year prior to the date of the claim.

The Board has reinstated the Veteran's ratings for osteonecrosis with arthrosis of talonavicular joints, right and left feet, from May 30, 2003 to April 14, 2010. The appeal as to these issues is dismissed because the benefits sought have been granted in full.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for scarring alopecia was denied, and the effective date for the 20 percent rating was also denied.,The highest schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 7830 is 20 percent, which is the current rating assigned to the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause intermittent inability to dress or undress herself, an inability to keep herself ordinarily clean and presentable, and an inability to feed herself through loss of coordination and weakness of the upper extremities. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating prior to July 18, 2017, for his service-connected scar residuals of liver transplant associated with residuals of liver cancer, status post liver transplant, and for entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities. The remand is necessary to ensure that the claims are properly developed.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities from December 24, 2016. Prior to that date, he was working and did not meet the criteria for TDIU as he was not unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for regular aid and attendance, but do not meet the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The left knee scar and ankle disability are denied, with no compensable rating assigned.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to a duty-to-assist error in prior VA examinations and opinions. The Veteran seeks service connection for various facial, jaw, and skin conditions she attributes to in-service oral surgeries and treatments.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for the left 5th finger scar, finding that it does not meet the criteria set forth in Diagnostic Code 7802.