Scars Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for compensable ratings for his anterior and posterior trunk spinal fusion scars but granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's left fifth finger and right knee scars, as well as remanded claims for increased ratings for his right knee degenerative arthritis status post right knee replacement with residual strain, right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, left little finger ankylosis at the proximal interphalangeal joint status post fusion, and right little finger fracture.

The Board remands the claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral upper extremity scars due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board granted an effective date of March 28, 2019, for the grant of service connection for scalp disfigurement, a painful scalp scar, and folliculitis decalvans with alopecia.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral flat feet with plantar fasciitis and degenerative arthritis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, entitling him to special monthly compensation at the statutory housebound rate beginning December 23, 2020.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 40 percent rating, but no higher. The claims for increased ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy and right great toe scar were denied.

The appeals for an initial compensable disability rating for scar of the right lower back and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety and PTSD, are dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including eye disability, foot pain, stomach disability, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and non-compensable ratings for post traumatic headaches, right lower extremity scars, tympanic membrane perforation, right knee tendinopathy, and lumbosacral strain.

The Board denied service connection for lupus and denied increased ratings for allergic rhinitis, hypertension, and a scar on the right upper extremity. However, it granted an increased 10 percent disability rating for Gilles De La Tourette's syndrome with intermittent twitching, right side of body.

The Board denied an increased rating for the left great toe disability but granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a left shoulder condition, kidney stones, and scars on the scalp and head due to outstanding records and an inadequate medical opinion.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for service connection of coronary artery disease, left lower extremity scar, and left upper extremity scar, but denied an earlier effective date for hypertension. The Board also granted a 10% rating for hypertension.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's bilateral knee and hip conditions, except for a 50 percent rating from November 29, 2019, for right hip status post arthroplasty and a similar rating for left hip status post arthroplasty. The effective date for service connection of scars on the knees and hips was set to May 17, 2021.

The Veteran is entitled to a total disability evaluation based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) from November 30, 2018, to February 5, 2020, due to his service-connected CAD.

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD effective April 9, 2019, and denied an earlier effective date for uterine polyps and fibroids with uterine bleeding.

The Board remanded several claims for further development, including service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and headaches secondary to allergic rhinitis, as well as increased ratings for low back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, allergic rhinitis, penile scars, and tinea cruris in the groin.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the left lower leg scar and status post left leg surgery, effective March 9, 2023.

The Board granted a 50 percent rating for residual scars of the head, face, or neck and a 30 percent rating for unstable or painful scars. The appeal was denied for a higher rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a 10 percent evaluation for abdominal scars, but remanded the issue of an increased evaluation for further examination.

The Veteran's CAD was granted a rating of 60 percent from November 6, 2018, but no higher. The cardiac pacemaker and scars were denied ratings.