Scars decisions — 2024

The Board found that the Veteran's combined disability rating was correctly calculated as 80 percent prior to September 4, 2019. A higher combined rating is not warranted.

The claim for service connection for right upper extremity ulnar nerve damage is granted. The claims for increased ratings of patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee, left knee, and laceration scar of the right elbow are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings and service connection related to multiple conditions, including PTSD, TBI, low back disability, radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, hearing loss, and a left orbital contusion. The Board has determined that these issues require additional development due to incomplete records and need further examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining a VA examiner's curriculum vitae and private medical records. The RO will also schedule the Veteran for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his hip, shoulder, knee, and foot disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the loss of use of both lower extremities, necessitating the use of a cane or wheelchair as a normal mode of locomotion. The Board has granted eligibility for specially adapted housing based on this finding.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal through his authorized representative.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional service treatment records from October 1976 to July 1979. The appellant's current hearing loss disability in either ear does not meet VA criteria, and his other conditions have not been established as service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear infections, pain and burning, tympanic membrane scarring, and dermatitis (claimed as dry/scaly/itching ear canal) all secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left ear otitis media and externa.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's keloid scar condition. The examiner did not provide sufficient rationale for their opinions and failed to address all questions presented.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status or need for regular aid and attendance prior to December 14, 2019 was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him so helpless that he required regular assistance.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD has been dismissed.,An earlier effective date of September 29, 2015 has been granted for the 70 percent rating for PTSD.,An earlier effective date of September 29, 2015 has also been granted for TDIU.,Special monthly compensation (SMC) pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) has been granted from November 1, 2018.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for the residuals of a stroke and entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The case is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, lumbosacral strain, and residual scar of pilonidal cyst removal were received by VA on September 22, 2015. The Board denied the requests for effective dates prior to this date.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain was also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a psychiatric disability is dismissed as service connection has been granted throughout the period on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for burn scars to the chest and stomach is denied due to lack of evidence showing VA negligence or fault in causing these scars.,The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for dental condition/loss of teeth, residual tracheotomy scar, residual airway damage (hoarseness), and difficulty swallowing is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for an increased rating of right elbow, residuals gunshot wound, traumatic arthritis elbow, ankylosis, and scars right upper extremity (major) due to a duty-to-assist error in not providing an examination related to the Veteran's right hand symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to March 24, 2016.

The Veteran's scars of the occipital scalp were granted a 30 percent rating from May 27, 2008 to October 23, 2008. After that date, his claim for a greater than 30 percent rating was denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for seborrheic dermatitis and degenerative changes, residuals of fracture of the fifth right metacarpal and scar due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand instructions.

The Board has granted service connection for vertigo and remanded the other issues on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing medical records.