Scars Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and a TBI. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis, right ankle scar associated with ganglion cyst in the soft tissue of the ankle with tenosynovitis, left upper extremity scars associated with post traumatic changes of the left thumb, and post traumatic changes of the left thumb were also denied. Some issues related to service connection have been remanded for further consideration.

The Board remands the claims for a higher disability rating for back condition, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, and associated service-connected scar due to inadequate VA examination reports.

The Board granted service connection for disability manifested by muscle and nerve dysfunction of the jaw associated with left and right chin scars, status-post shell fragment wound, but denied a compensable rating for the left and right chin scars.

The appeal resulted in the denial of service connection for PTSD, depressive disorder, anxiety, and head and left leg scars. The claim for service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was reopened but not granted on the merits.

The Board denied service connection for a prostate condition, hypertension, a gunshot wound to the head, a scar associated with a gunshot wound to the head, and an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a left ankle disability, and an initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae of the face. The claims for service connection for various other disabilities were remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and cannabis use disorder (MDD) is granted with a 100 percent disability rating effective December 18, 2018. The Board also grants TDIU from the same date.

The Board granted an initial 10 percent rating for a surgical scar of the chest and denied an initial compensable rating for hypertension.

The Board dismissed the claims for an initial compensable rating for irritable bowel syndrome, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, mental health disorder, right hand burn scars, and tinnitus as the AOJ did not readjudicate these issues in the May 2024 rating decision. The claim for service connection for cervical strain was denied due to a lack of evidence showing a current disability.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for an increased rating for painful left-hand and hand/wrist scars, finding that the evidence did not support a higher disability rating.

The Board remands the claim for an increased disability evaluation for central corneal scar, right eye, to ensure that all relevant private treatment records are obtained and a new VA examination is provided.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance was not due to service-connected disabilities, and therefore special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound for accrued benefits is denied.

The Board remands the claims for a compensable rating for residual scars status post prostatectomy and special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance due to the Veteran's inability to attend scheduled VA examinations.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for skin neoplasm with painful scars from November 19, 2008, to prior to December 16, 2022, and a 10 percent rating for residual trunk and extremities scars from November 19, 2008, to prior to July 22, 2022.

The Veteran was granted an earlier effective date of December 9, 2022, for a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD and DEA benefits. The claim for SMC at the 's' rate for housebound status was denied.

The Board denied an initial rating higher than 0 percent for bilateral hearing loss and a rating in excess of 10 percent for left radial scar.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, increased ratings, and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance due to insufficient evidence of entitlement arising before December 14, 2018.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for a neck scar and left knee scars, but remanded claims for service connection for plantar fasciitis and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied service connection for cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, erectile dysfunction, and facial scars. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Board granted an effective date of September 3, 2019 for the service connection claims for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and IVDS, residuals of left foot surgery, scar of the left foot, painful scar of the left foot, tinnitus, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome.