Scars Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for abdominal scars resulting from a cholecystectomy, as the evidence did not show that the scars met the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied ratings in excess of the current levels for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus but granted a 60 percent rating and a 100 percent rating for coronary artery disease effective October 30, 2020, along with special monthly compensation.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for eczema, residual scars of eczema, hyperkeratosis, right hand palm, and migraines to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board granted service connection for residuals of left index finger injury to include scar, finding that the Veteran's current disability is caused by an in-service injury.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and a scar, as well as special monthly compensation based on loss of use of creative organ.

The Board dismissed service connection for a thyroid condition and ovarian cancer, as these conditions were already granted in a previous rating decision. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board granted service connection for a deviated septum, left foot condition (to include hallux valgus with hammer toe, status post bunionectomy), and right foot condition (claimed as crossover toe, bunion and deformity) based on the evidence showing that these conditions are causally linked to the Veteran's military service.

All appeals for service connection and effective dates were dismissed by the Veteran's attorney.

The Board denied service connection for a left foot bunion and a compensable rating for a right big toe scar, while remanding several other issues including entitlement to ratings in excess of 10 percent for right foot bunion deformity, ovarian cyst, persistent depressive disorder dysthymia (also claimed as generalized anxiety disorder), cervical strain, and superficial numbness, right distal outer ear.

The Board denied an initial compensable rating for a lower back scar and remanded the claim for an increased rating for a lower back disability due to an inadequate examination.

The Board remands the claim for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed forehead scar.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and chest scars.

The Board granted a 10 percent disability rating for the spinal stenosis surgery scar and denied a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis. The claim for right ear hearing loss was readjudicated based on new evidence but ultimately denied.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of cervical spine, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and scar on neck as secondary to a lumbar spine disability due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals, effective January 6, 2021.

The Veteran is entitled to service connection for prostate cancer, lower abdominal surgical scar, and erectile dysfunction from September 24, 2019.

The Board denied service connection for right lower and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, a rating in excess of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension. However, the TDIU was granted.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability and denied increased ratings for various disabilities, but granted a temporary 100 percent rating from April 14, 2021, through May 31, 2021, and a minimum 30 percent thereafter for the Veteran's right hip status post arthroplasty.

The appeal for service connection for head trauma, headaches, GERD, and thumbnail scarring was dismissed due to the Veteran's untimely submission of a notice of disagreement (NOD) within one year of the rating decisions.

The appeal for increased ratings was denied, but earlier effective dates were granted for service connection related to herbicide exposure.