Scars decisions — 2024

The Veteran's bilateral inguinal hidradenitis with scarring resulted in a total disability rating when combined with the current 60 percent schedular rating, and an extraschedular rating of 40 percent is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for scars of the back and forearms, as well as a bilateral foot disability, were granted. The claim for a bilateral foot disability was remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for increased ratings and service connection. The issues include right knee disability, duodenal ulcer, allergic rhinitis with laryngopharyngitis, scar of the right posterior thigh, sinusitis, residuals of a positive purified protein derivative (PPD) test, status post ventral hernia repair, temporary total evaluations, and TDIU.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for his scar, status post left knee laceration (three sutures), is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show that the scar was painful or unstable at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's acquired immune deficiency syndrome disability is rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under current regulations.,Service connection for right shoulder scars was granted effective June 11, 2010. However, a compensable (greater than zero) disability rating remains denied.

Total disability due to individual unemployability is granted effective April 16, 2019 and from June 11, 2020 onward.,TDIU prior to April 16, 2019 and from December 1, 2019 to June 10, 2020 is remanded due to service-connected disabilities on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at 50% and his residual tender disfiguring scar, post removal of angiofibrolipoma, is also rated at 50%. Service connection for TBI residuals is granted. Other issues related to secondary service connection or TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for left inguinal hernia and scar have been denied. The Board has also remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left shoulder strain, and PFB.

The Veteran's service-connected eczema residual scars are granted a 20 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's service-connected eczema with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone have not rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, effective dates for various disabilities, and SMC at the housebound rate. The representative requested earlier effective dates for multiple conditions and disability ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to August 21, 2015. The Board found that the Veteran was capable of at least sedentary work.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of initial compensable ratings for hemorrhoids and left abdomen scar, as well as service connection for a right knee disorder, bilateral shoulder, hematuria, and a neck disorder. New examinations are required to determine the current severity of these conditions and their etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disorder, lower back pain, scars, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and a right ankle disorder have been dismissed as there are no remaining questions of fact or law to be decided.,Service connection has been granted for the following conditions: left shoulder separation s/p acromioclavicular joint sprain, lumbar strain, scars of the left upper and right lower extremities, scar of the left upper extremity, scar of the right lower extremity, and schizoaffective disorder, depressed type. The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle sprain, right ankle disorder, status post healed fracture to left foot, and right foot disorder have been denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's employment capacity and potential impact of her service-connected conditions, particularly PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability and has not had one at any time during the pendency of the claim or recent to the filing of the claim.,Service connection for carbon monoxide poisoning, traumatic brain injury (TBI), acquired facial fracture, rhinoplasty, allergic rhinitis, scars, plantar fasciitis, feet orthotics, stress fractures of bilateral shins, tibial tendonitis, bicipital tendonitis, right foot cellulitis, sebaceous cyst, yaws early skin disease, and benign stern neoplasm are all remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a compensable evaluation for bilateral recurrent otitis externa with scarring of the tympanic membranes prior to September 30, 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for scars on his face, finding that there is no current disability related to his active service.

The Veteran's right thumb disability, urticaria, and rhinitis have been granted service connection. The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings for her scar disabilities and remanded the claims of chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disability, whole-body joint pain, and seborrheic dermatitis.,Further examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disability, and whole-body joint pain are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess all of the Veteran's disabilities, including his substance abuse disorders and their impact on his ability to work. The examiner is asked to determine whether the Veteran's substance abuse disorders are due to willful misconduct or treatment for other conditions.