Scars Board decisions

The veteran's service connection for squamous cell carcinoma, colon cancer, lung cancer, and residual painful scars of the neck was granted with an effective date of December 7, 2021. However, higher ratings were denied.

The veteran was granted a 60% rating for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity but denied higher ratings for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine scar, and right-hand scar. The issue of a higher rating for cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) was remanded.

The Board remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right ankle disorder, cervical neck disorder, and head scar. The Veteran will be scheduled for examinations to determine if these conditions are related to his service.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for several conditions but granted an earlier effective date for left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy. Some issues were remanded for further consideration.

The Board remanded the claim to obtain outstanding medical records and determine the Veteran's correct diagnosis and functional impairments related to his service-connected condition.

The Board remanded the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Board found sufficient evidence to substantiate a reasonable possibility that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a dental condition and compensable ratings for residuals of a laceration and crush injury of the left little finger, and scar were denied. The claims for service connection for cervical strain and for a dental disability for treatment purposes were remanded.

The veteran's appeals for service connection for scars on the left lower extremity and for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee meniscal tear were dismissed because the veteran requested to withdraw these appeals.

The veteran's service connection for several conditions, including prostate cancer and depression, was granted an effective date of September 13, 2021. Some rating evaluations were denied or granted at specific percentages.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and a higher disability rating for a scar on his right hand was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied compensable ratings for the veteran's right knee surgical scar and left inguinal herniorrhaphy scar, finding that neither scar met the criteria for a rating.

The Board remanded the claims for a VA skin examination to determine the current nature and severity of service-connected actinic keratosis or any recurrent residuals thereof.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for keloid scars was denied, but a separate 20 percent rating for painful facial scars was granted. All other issues were remanded.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding it related to the veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities and adjustment disorder with depressed mood.

The veteran's rating for a painful scar on the left index finger was restored to 10 percent, but the request for a higher rating was denied.

The veteran's appeals for service connection and rating increases were dismissed because the veteran requested to withdraw them.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for service-connected kidney cancer and scars, finding that the conditions did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The veteran's request for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral strain, and spinal stenosis was denied. The veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for an abdominal scar starting June 7, 2022, and a 30 percent rating for right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome from August 15, 2012 to October 17, 2013 and from December 1, 2013. The veteran's claims for service connection for right hip joint replacement and right knee status post total arthroplasty were remanded.

The Board dismissed several appeals for earlier effective dates related to service-connected scars and PTSD. Some motions for revision based on clear and unmistakable error were also dismissed, while others were remanded.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to May 5, 2022, is remanded. The Board needs more information to decide the claim fairly.