Scars Board decisions

The Board remands the claims for the restoration of disability ratings for a right hand scar and hypertension, as the AOJ did not address the correct issues in its decision.

The appeal seeking service connection for PTSD, TBI, and facial scarring was dismissed due to the Veteran's failure to file a timely notice of disagreement within one year of the December 2013 rating decision.

The Board granted a rating of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected scar fibrosis of skin, effective December 4, 2022.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss but granted service connection for tinnitus. The Board also denied increased ratings for appendectomy scars and residuals of an appendectomy.

The Board granted service connection for right inguinal hernia scars and remanded claims related to hearing loss, GERD, hand arthritis, left ankle, and back disabilities. All other claims were denied.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for increased ratings of the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including neuralgia of the right fifth cranial nerve, scarring of the right lateral face, and a separate 10 percent evaluation for painful scarring, all effective March 6, 2019. The decision also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective from March 6, 2019.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for various service-connected conditions, including frostbite residuals of the upper and lower extremities, left hip strain, tinnitus, depressive and alcohol use disorders, radiculopathy, anosmia, right upper eyelid scar, cervical spine disability, and lumbosacral strain.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues, and the Board dismissed the case.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of March 16, 2022, for service connection for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with residual scars.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus, chin laceration and scar, left hand condition, and right hand condition. The claims for headaches, acid reflux, an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left knee disability, and a right knee disability were remanded.

The Board remands the claim for referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration of TDIU during the period on appeal.

The Board denied service connection for GERD, shortness of breath, an initial compensable disability rating for allergic rhinitis, and an initial compensable disability rating for smallpox scar. The acne claim was remanded.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's status post exploratory laparoscopic right salpingo oophorectomy for a right ovarian cyst, as the symptoms require continuous treatment.

The Board granted an effective date of December 8, 2021, for the grant of a separate 10 percent rating for painful scar, left femoral/groin.

The Board denied a higher rating for the Veteran's bunionectomy scars and remanded several issues related to her foot disabilities.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for further development, specifically to obtain outstanding VA medical treatment records since July 2022.

The Board remands the claims for higher ratings and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to missing evidence from the Social Security Administration.

The Board denied an initial compensable rating for chest scars and a 10 percent evaluation based upon multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities. The claims for service connection for a lung disorder other than spontaneous right pneumothorax and recurrent, spontaneous right pneumothorax were remanded.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's abdominal scar disability from July 15, 2009, to May 20, 2015, and denied a higher rating thereafter.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for the award of service connection for painful keloid scars and keloid scars of the anterior trunk, left upper extremity, right upper extremity, and posterior trunk, each effective September 14, 1976. The Board also denied a higher rating for peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity.