Scars Board decisions

The veteran's surviving spouse was granted an earlier effective date of January 20, 1988 for service connection of coronary artery disease. However, the request for an earlier effective date and increased rating for a chest scar was denied.

The veteran's service-connected scar of the head is granted an initial 10 percent disability rating, but no higher.

The veteran's service connection for left knee conditions was granted with an effective date of October 27, 2019. However, the claim for a compensable disability rating for a surgical scar was denied.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of a scar on the right pinky finger due to errors in obtaining necessary records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with all relevant evidence.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for scarring alopecia and dermatitis was granted. The claim for a compensable rating for service-connected scarring alopecia was remanded.

The veteran's service connection for left knee conditions was granted with an effective date of October 27, 2019. However, the claim for a compensable disability rating for a surgical scar was denied.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for several service-connected disabilities and initial ratings in excess of the assigned percentages. An increased rating of 20 percent was granted for the right ankle disability. Claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, left hip, and right hip disabilities were denied. The claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability, hypertension, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and entitlement to TDIU were remanded.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and headaches were denied. An increased rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for right foot pes planus was granted prior to August 10, 2023, and denied on and after that date. Other issues related to ratings and effective dates were also denied or remanded.

The appeal for a compensable rating for a residual scar from left inguinal hernia surgery is remanded. The VA must obtain private treatment records and ensure the veteran's cooperation.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent disabling, effective from April 12, 2018. The Veteran's folliculitis with scarring of the scalp is not compensable.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal in its entirety prior to the promulgation of a decision, citing satisfaction with the October 2024 supplemental statement of the case and rating decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting opinions on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance. The case is being sent back for clarification.

The Board remands the claims for an additional liver disability and a disability resulting from the misdiagnosis or treatment of a pilonidal cyst due to inadequate VA medical opinions.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder to 100 percent was granted. Other claims were denied or remanded.

The Board dismissed claims for diverticulitis, hiatal hernia, right ankle disability, and left finger scar. Claims for left ankle disability and acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. Other conditions were remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) but remanded the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of vision disorders and total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board found that further medical opinions are needed to adequately address the veteran's conditions.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, initial compensable evaluation for PFB, and service connection for facial scarring due to errors in obtaining necessary records and examinations.

The Board denied all claims for increased ratings or compensable rating for the veteran's foot conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating higher than 30% for PFB with scarring. The decision was based on evidence showing the condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating.