Scars Board decisions

The Board remands the claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected right ankle sprain with instability and degenerative arthritis, non-dominant left wrist synovial cyst, and painful scar of the left hand due to an inadequate VA examination.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's failure to follow VA's claims processing rules.

The Board denied an increased rating for painful scarring of the bilateral upper extremities but granted an earlier effective date of September 3, 2016, for a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for a right foot scar associated with a navicular fracture, as the evidence did not support a higher rating under applicable criteria.

The appeal for an effective date prior to April 7, 2023, for the grant of a 40 percent rating for degenerative disc disease, IVDS, spinal fusion, and thoracolumbar spondylosis is dismissed.

The Board remands the veteran's claims for further development and to obtain additional evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to May 1, 2014.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for anterior neck painful and surgical scars, as well as a rating in excess of 30 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with spinal fusion and stenosis.

The Board remands the claim for a compensable rating for nephrolithiasis due to inadequate development of evidence, including failure to obtain relevant medical records and an adequate examination.

The Board remands the claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1151 related to a heart catheter procedure, right upper extremity nerve damage, and a right upper extremity scar due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Board granted an effective date of October 4, 2017, for the award of service connection for lumbar strain, lumbar lordosis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, posterior lumbar scar status post lumbar spinal fusion, and painful back scar.

The Board granted an initial 30 percent rating for sinusitis and GERD, but denied higher ratings for asthma, allergic rhinitis, left inguinal hernia, scar, fatigue, right shoulder, right wrist, bilateral leg, left shoulder, and left wrist disabilities.

The Board granted a 60 percent rating for residuals of gallbladder surgery and a 10 percent rating for residual scar, status post gallbladder surgery. The tension headaches were denied as the maximum schedular rating was already in place.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the evidence demonstrated its onset during active service and has been chronic since then. Other claims were remanded for further development.

The Board denied higher ratings for the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including residuals of a laceration of the radial digital nerve, C-section scar, right index finger scar residuals, and bilateral lower extremity varicose veins.

The Board granted a 100 percent rating for the service-connected psychiatric disability and denied earlier effective dates, initial ratings, and other claims.

The Veteran is granted SMC at the L rate based on the need for regular aid and attendance since November 1, 2017, but denied prior to that date.

The Board denied the veteran's appeals for restoration of a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain, and for compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis, eczema, left and right lower extremity nerve disabilities, and scars of the head, face, or neck.

The Board denied various claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates, as well as service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all service connection claims.