Scars decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his education, work history, and the nature of his job.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable since June 1, 2020. The Board has granted TDIU and assigned June 1, 2020 as the effective date. The Veteran is also entitled to DEA benefits from June 1, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for residuals status post nasal reconstruction was denied, while his TDIU claim was granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for his service-connected left shoulder scars, cervical strain, and lumbar spine disability. The medical evidence did not support higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating determinations have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and a compensable rating for scars on his right knee have been dismissed due to the Veteran's request to withdraw these issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right ankle disability and right ankle scar were denied. The Board found that the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right ankle disability, and a compensable rating for right ankle scar, have not been met.

The Veteran's varicose veins were rated at a 10% since November 1, 2014.,The scars on the neck and breast are currently rated at 10%, but not higher.

The Board has granted an effective date of May 29, 2015 for the award of service connection for a right knee scar. The decision is based on secondary service connection as the scar is related to the Veteran's service-connected right knee meniscus and ACL tear residuals with osteoarthritis.

Effective dates of September 2, 2020 and January 23, 2020 have been granted for the awards of service connection for painful low back scars and lower extremity radiculopathies.,A temporary total rating has been granted from January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021 for a back disability.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities effective September 1, 2018. The decision also remanded the issue of TDIU prior to September 1, 2018 for referral to the Director of Compensation Services for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since February 2, 2019. Effective that date, he is granted TDIU and DEA benefits.

The Veteran's appeals for higher evaluations of their right total knee arthroplasty and right knee surgical scar have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The appeal for service connection for Ischemic Heart Disease is dismissed. Effective dates are granted for service connection and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ, as well as for lower abdomen surgical scars.

The Veteran's appeals for higher evaluations of their right total knee arthroplasty and right knee surgical scar have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 10 percent for the appellant's scars on his right middle finger and right little finger, finding that they are painful.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for recurrent right ankle sprains has been denied as the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.,The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for his right ankle surgical scar has also been denied due to the scar measuring less than 144 square inches and not associated with underlying soft tissue damage.,The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded as there was an error in failing to consider updated evidence showing suicidal ideation.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability recognized by VA.,An initial rating of 10 percent, but no higher, is granted for the Veteran's right great toe scar due to pain.,An initial rating of 10 percent, but no higher, is granted for the Veteran's service-connected right foot disability (onychomycosis).

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for recurrent right ankle sprains has been denied as the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.,The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for his right ankle surgical scar has been denied as the scar area is less than 144 square inches and not associated with underlying soft tissue damage.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD remains pending due to a duty-to-assist error in the prior decision.

The Veteran's left ankle disorder is denied as there is no persuasive evidence that it began during service or is related to an in-service injury.,The Veteran's right and left arm scars are not painful, unstable, or measure more than 144 square inches (929 square centimeters), thus denying initial compensable ratings under Diagnostic Codes 7802 and 7804.,Starting October 28, 2019, the Veteran's right and left arm scars are painful but not unstable or measure more than 144 square inches (929 square centimeters), thus denying a disability rating in excess of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 7804.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating.