Scars Board decisions

The Board grants service connection for abdominal scars, post stab wound repair, based on new and relevant evidence.

The appeal for a higher (compensable) disability rating for bilateral hand scars is dismissed as the Veteran informed the Board in writing that he no longer pursues this issue on appeal.

The Board denied the claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, granted an earlier effective date for left lower extremity scars, but did not assign a compensable rating for them from August 23, 2023.

The Board granted an initial 10 percent evaluation for the Veteran's left elbow surgical scar based on his reports of pain, which required him to wear an elbow pad and adjust his sleeping habits.

The Board remands the claims for higher ratings for right knee strain with contusion, bilateral plantar fasciitis with right foot calluses, burn scar right index and right ring finger, and left ingrown toenails post-operative to correct an error by the agency of original jurisdiction in satisfying the regulatory duty to provide the Veteran with notice of his right to a pre-decisional hearing.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the remaining issues for further development.

The Board denied a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss, an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain, and a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine disability. However, service connection was granted for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity as secondary to the low back disability.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, frostbite of the left and right feet, painful scar of the right foot, xerosis (also claimed as skin rash), and obstructive sleep apnea with effective dates from November 17, 2020 or later.

The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a back disability prior to September 21, 2021, and in excess of 20 percent from that date. However, the Board granted a 20 percent rating for sciatica affecting both lower extremities starting on September 21, 2021.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and assigned an effective date of March 20, 2020 for patellofemoral syndrome left knee, right knee limitation of flexion, and patellofemoral syndrome right knee. Other claims were denied.

The Board granted service connection for a neck disability, low back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, and a neck scar.

The Board granted service connection for a right earlobe shrapnel scar and a skin disability, to include pityriasis versicolor with acrochordons. The claims for sleep apnea, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia were remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, finding that the earliest possible effective date was provided.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and a compensable rating for the Veteran's lumbar DDD, cervical DDD, and neck scar, as well as higher ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right and left knee disabilities, lumbar spine disability, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, require care and assistance on a regular basis.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and a compensable rating for migraine headaches, granted an effective date of August 16, 2022, but no earlier, for the 100 percent rating for PTSD with TBI, and remanded claims related to special monthly compensation.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and increased ratings to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and increased ratings, granted restoration of a 20 percent rating for left knee osteoarthritis with limitation of extension, and remanded claims for service connection for varicose veins and an earlier effective date for DEA benefits.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and colon polyps as they were granted in full. The claim for anal fissures was denied, while the claim for a right hip disability was remanded.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, hypothyroidism as secondary to psychiatric conditions (PTSD and insomnia), and a left-hand condition (burn scar).