Scars Board decisions

The Board granted initial ratings of 50 percent for unspecified depressive disorder, 60 percent for degenerative arthritis of the spine with IVDS, status post spinal fusion, and 40 percent for radiculopathy, right lower extremity. The claim for a compensable rating for scar on back was denied, and TDIU was granted.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for various residual scars and a right eye disability, with an effective date of January 2, 2015, but no earlier.

The Board granted an initial 10 percent rating for a single right leg scar and remanded the remaining claims for further development.

The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including acute sinusitis, cervical spine strain, and various musculoskeletal injuries, as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury.

The Board granted the reopening of claims for scalp and head scars and headaches, but denied service connection for a traumatic brain injury. The remaining claims were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for breast cancer, scarring secondary to breast cancer, an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to breast cancer, and a digestive disorder secondary to breast cancer. The claim for a neurological condition of the upper extremities, including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, was remanded.

The Board granted a 10 percent evaluation for postoperative excision nodular neoplasm fasciitis of the left neck prior to January 2, 2025, but denied an evaluation greater than 10 percent for painful left neck surgical scar since that date.

The Board granted service connection for acne scarring of the posterior trunk and upper anterior trunk, based upon aggravation in service. The claims for a left eye condition, an initial, compensable rating for COPD, and TDIU were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including hypertension, right ankle sprain, conjunctival inclusion cyst, and others, as there was no evidence of current disability during or near the period on appeal.

The Board granted an initial 10 percent rating for painful and unstable left foot scar prior to October 23, 2008, but denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for left foot hallux valgus.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various scars and an eye condition due to a duty to assist error and a notice error.

The Board granted the restoration of a 10 percent rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae effective April 14, 2021, and remanded claims for increased ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for bilateral plantar fasciitis, cyst of right side of neck with residual scar, disfigurement, to include scar on forehead, and cyst of right side of neck with residual scar, painful, as well as tinnitus were denied. However, an effective date of March 16, 2018 was granted for the award of a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) and basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

The Board remands the claims for a VA examination to determine the current severity of the service-connected scars and to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of various disabilities, including left hand, foot, knee, right hand, ankle, high blood pressure, head injury, depression, and sleep apnea.

The Board denied a compensable rating for corneal scarring, left eye and allergic rhinitis as the evidence did not support higher ratings.

The Board granted service connection for skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and biopsy scars of the face, right ear, and bilateral upper extremities. The claims for pulmonary embolism, sinus condition, headaches, left wrist disability, GERD, heart condition, varicose veins, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability were denied or remanded.

The Board denied an initial compensable rating for the Veteran's right postoperative inguinal hernia and residual scar, but granted a separate 10 percent initial disability rating for painful residual scar from right inguinal hernia repair with mesh.

The Board denied increased ratings for PTSD, total abdominal hysterectomy, mechanical small bowel obstruction (volvulus) with necrosis status post appendectomy, anemia, and appendectomy scar. However, the Veteran was granted an effective date of December 14, 2009, for the grant of individual unemployability and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded several other issues, including TDIU and special monthly compensation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection for the claimed conditions.