Scars decisions — 2024

The Veteran's initial compensable disability ratings for residuals of head trauma and scalp scar have been denied.,The Veteran's TDIU claim has been remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for high blood pressure/hypertension and traumatic chorioretinal scar, left eye is dismissed.,Service connection for traumatic chorioretinal scar, left eye was properly severed due to dishonorable discharge from service.

The Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings and an increased rating were dismissed as the appeal was untimely due to not being filed within one year of the June 17, 2022 decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to incomplete VA examinations, lack of flare-up information, and other procedural issues. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions and ensure all necessary records are obtained.

The Veteran's appeals for various disability ratings and individual unemployability claims have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of all issues addressed in the Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development to clarify whether myofascial pain syndrome is a symptom of service-connected disabilities or another disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine disability and depressive disorder with sleep disturbances, have rendered him unable to secure and maintain a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 11, 2020. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU based on this finding.

The appeal for service connection of a left calf scar is dismissed as the AOJ has already awarded it. The issue of service connection for skin rashes is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, increased rating, and TDIU due to incomplete medical opinions and need for further development.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including heart disability secondary to hypertension, psoriasis, dry eye syndrome, and scars of the abdomen and lumbar spine. The effective dates for these claims are pending verification of all periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA.

The Veteran's residual disfiguring nose scar, status post fracture, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 7800.,The Veteran's tender nose scar, status post fracture, does not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7804.

The Board has determined that the AOJ decision on appeal is not final due to procedural errors and requires further action, including a new underwriting numerical rating sheet.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The abdominal scar claim is denied, the muscle injury residuals claim is granted with a 10 percent rating, and the TDIU claim requires further review by the Director of Compensation Service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding VA's care for the Veteran's right hip infections and dislocation, which may have contributed to his current disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of those related to PTSD and a right knee condition.,VA has determined that new evidence received since previous denials supports the Veteran's claims for anxiety, neck/cervical spine condition, degenerative arthritis, dysthymic disorder, fallen arches, herpes, left knee condition, major depression, migraines, and thoracolumbar spine condition. The right knee condition and PTSD remain under consideration.

The Veteran's rumination disorder, left knee scar, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have been granted service connection. The right ring finger scar, acne scars, left eyebrow scar, right wrist scar, and right chest scar are denied as not related to service.,Service connection for eye conditions including pinguecula is also denied.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU from March 1, 2019 to May 13, 2019 and from December 1, 2019 to March 26, 2020 due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's back condition is related to his service, including his duties as a firefighter in the Navy.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hemorrhage of anus and rectum is dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral conjunctival hyperemia with dry eye syndrome and right eye chorioretinal scar (claimed as conjunction edema of the left eye and chorioretinal scar) are dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for gastroenteritis (claimed as infectious gastroenteritis, upper abdominal pain, and colitis) is denied.