Scars Board decisions

Service connection for left shoulder calcific tendonitis is granted. Effective November 21, 2017, the Veteran receives a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD and service connection for lumbosacral strain, left hip impairment (status post arthroscopic surgery), left hip limitation of flexion, and scars of the right hip are also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for right finger amputation, a right-hand disability (also claimed as joint pains), right ulnar peripheral neuropathy, and right-hand scars. The claim for depression is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his postoperative residuals of herniated nucleus pulpous lumbosacral spine, residual scars to the lumbar region, and residual scars with some sensory changes, from the posterior right sacroiliac, bone graft site do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for entitlement to TDIU was remanded as it is related to his increased ratings claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to require regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for post-traumatic arthritis left knee disability from October 22, 2019 to January 10, 2020 is denied. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for right knee scars is granted.

The Veteran's residual scars of the posterior trunk are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The claim for service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea has been dismissed. The claim for a compensable rating for face and neck scarring has been denied.

The Veteran's appeal to reduce the rating for painful surgical scars, left wrist and left anterior trunk was dismissed. A rating of 20 percent for three painful surgical scars, left wrist is granted.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing is granted due to his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and shrapnel injuries. However, as he has already received assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing, the special home adaptation grant is denied.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities was not at a 100% level before October 11, 2019. The Board denied her request for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so incapable of performing the activities of daily living that he requires care or assistance on a regular basis to protect him from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment. The Board has granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's gynecological conditions, including endometriosis and related procedures, are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are due to service in Southwest Asia, specifically exposure to burn pits.

The Veteran's service-connected adenocarcinoma of the colon and scar of the right lower abdomen do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal for earlier effective dates and increased ratings has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed as she withdrew her appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and increased ratings for his left-hand scars were denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of PTSD, and the scar conditions did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a scar left index finger from laceration is granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and a left knee disability are remanded, as the evidence does not support their grant. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is also remanded due to insufficient medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on four issues (bilateral eye disorder, bilateral foot disorder, dental disorder, and scars of the face and neck) were dismissed as they were already pending within a supplemental claim at the time the request for an extension was submitted.

The Veteran requires assistance in accomplishing daily activities and is unable to protect himself from hazards due to his service-connected conditions, including PTSD with major depressive disorder, postoperative residuals of bowel injury, back condition, abdominal scars, radiculopathy, hernia, and a scar. SMC based on the regular need for aid and attendance is granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU rating, and he is capable of performing substantially gainful employment.