Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease, hypoparathyroidism, diabetes mellitus type 2, peripheral neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities, atrial fibrillation, and chloracne scar are all denied as there is no credible evidence of herbicide exposure in service.

The Veteran did not serve during a period of war, and therefore the appellant is not entitled to pension benefits. The Veteran's death occurred after he had received his last VA benefit claim, so accrued benefits are also denied.

The Board denied effective dates prior to June 16, 2021 for various service connection claims and increased ratings.

The Veteran's application for VR&E benefits was denied because he did not meet the criteria for an employment handicap, despite having a combined rating of 100 percent due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran had overcome any impairments caused by his disabilities and was employed in a suitable position.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his education, work history, and the nature of his job.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable since June 1, 2020. The Board has granted TDIU and assigned June 1, 2020 as the effective date. The Veteran is also entitled to DEA benefits from June 1, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for residuals status post nasal reconstruction was denied, while his TDIU claim was granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for his service-connected left shoulder scars, cervical strain, and lumbar spine disability. The medical evidence did not support higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating determinations have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and a compensable rating for scars on his right knee have been dismissed due to the Veteran's request to withdraw these issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right ankle disability and right ankle scar were denied. The Board found that the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right ankle disability, and a compensable rating for right ankle scar, have not been met.

The Veteran's varicose veins were rated at a 10% since November 1, 2014.,The scars on the neck and breast are currently rated at 10%, but not higher.

The Board has granted an effective date of May 29, 2015 for the award of service connection for a right knee scar. The decision is based on secondary service connection as the scar is related to the Veteran's service-connected right knee meniscus and ACL tear residuals with osteoarthritis.

Effective dates of September 2, 2020 and January 23, 2020 have been granted for the awards of service connection for painful low back scars and lower extremity radiculopathies.,A temporary total rating has been granted from January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021 for a back disability.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities effective September 1, 2018. The decision also remanded the issue of TDIU prior to September 1, 2018 for referral to the Director of Compensation Services for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since February 2, 2019. Effective that date, he is granted TDIU and DEA benefits.

The Veteran's appeals for higher evaluations of their right total knee arthroplasty and right knee surgical scar have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The appeal for service connection for Ischemic Heart Disease is dismissed. Effective dates are granted for service connection and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ, as well as for lower abdomen surgical scars.

The Veteran's appeals for higher evaluations of their right total knee arthroplasty and right knee surgical scar have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 10 percent for the appellant's scars on his right middle finger and right little finger, finding that they are painful.