Scars Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of a facial scar was granted, with the effective date set to August 1, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), an initial compensable disability rating for tension headaches, and an initial compensable disability rating for sacral teratoma residual scars were denied. The claims for service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, right hip disability, groin condition, and neck disability were remanded.

The veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) for needing regular aid and attendance due to their eye disability. The claim for a higher disability rating is remanded for further examination.

Service connection for PTSD was granted. Service connection for left hip trochanteric pain syndrome and compensable ratings for right ring finger flexor digitorum profundus tendon rupture and a scar on the right fourth finger were denied.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings or service connection for various conditions were mostly denied, but some issues were remanded for further review.

The Board dismissed claims for earlier effective dates but remanded decisions on service connection for plantar fasciitis and rating increases.

The Board remanded all issues to correct pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors and to satisfy a regulatory or statutory duty. The Veteran's claims are being sent back for further evaluation, including TERA examinations.

The appeal for service connection of scars on the left and right forearms was dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The decision does not affect the right of an eligible person to continue the appeal through substitution.

The veteran was granted an initial disability rating of 10 percent for Dupuytren's contracture with post-traumatic arthritis of the right ring finger and a 20 percent rating for scars. The issue of a higher rating for the right ring finger disability was remanded.

The Board granted the Veteran's appeal, finding that the severance of service connection for bladder cancer, prostate cancer, kidney disease, scars, and hypertension was improper. The Board also granted the appeal for the severance of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on statutory housebound and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

The veteran is granted a 10% disability rating for scars but the claim for service connection of deviated nasal fracture is remanded.

The veteran's appeal for increased ratings and earlier effective dates was dismissed because the veteran withdrew the appeal.

The veteran's disability ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and right upper extremity radiculopathy were restored to previous levels. The claim for an increased rating for a surgical scar was denied, as was the claim for service connection for bilateral hydroceles and varicoceles with left epididymal cyst due to lack of new evidence.

The appeal for service connection for female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) was dismissed. The reduction of the disability rating for left shin splints from 10 percent to noncompensable, effective January 27, 2022, was proper; the claim is denied. A rating in excess of 10 percent for various conditions was denied. An initial 10 percent rating for chronic sinusitis was granted.

The appeal for service connection of scarring on the nose is remanded. The VA will schedule a new examination to determine if the scar is related to military service.

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding the severance of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and a back scar, as well as the reduction of the rating for the Veteran's back disability. The issues are no longer on appeal because the full benefit sought was granted.

The appeal is remanded because the VA did not provide the veteran with a copy of their medical examination report before making a decision. The case will be reviewed again after the veteran receives this document.

The Board denied all claims for increased disability ratings. The Veteran's tinnitus, cluster headaches, scars due to lipoma removal and hernia surgeries, bronchitis, and obstructive sleep apnea with chronic bronchitis did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board granted service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), including migraine headaches with photophobia, tinnitus associated with these headaches, and a forehead scar.

The veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for aortic valve replacement since December 21, 2021 was granted. The claim for a compensable rating for the midline chest scar was denied. Other issues were remanded.