Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's initial claim for a 10 percent rating for tension headaches has been granted. The Board has also remanded several other issues related to service connection and disability ratings.

The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred during or caused by his military service.,Service connection for unspecified depressive disorder with TBI and headaches, tinnitus, and left submandibular horizontal scar is denied as new evidence does not meet the criteria for reopening the claim.,Tinnitus already has a maximum 10% rating. No higher rating can be granted.,Left inguinal hernia residual scar and status post operative left inguinal hernia repair, left knee disability, and limitation of flexion of the left knee do not meet criteria for increased ratings as they are already at their maximum schedular ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a disability rating of 50 percent, but no higher. The left ear hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. Multiple service connection claims are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing central corneal scar increased in severity during service, and therefore grants service connection for aggravation of this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and service connection was denied. The initial rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder remains at 70 percent, the rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and the initial rating for bilateral pes planus is denied. A separate 10 percent rating for left foot hallux valgus from February 10, 2020 was granted. The right foot scar's rating remains at 0 percent. Service connection requests for left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and low back disability were also not granted.

The Veteran's claims for a higher disability rating for his right radial nerve laceration and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance are being remanded due to the receipt of new evidence. The case will be returned to the AOJ for review.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and additional medical opinions regarding his sleep apnea, tinnitus, left knee disability, right shoulder disability, and nonservice-connected pension.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for midline abdominal scar has been dismissed because the appellant requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension has been granted and is dismissed. The claims for higher ratings for left lower extremity arthritis, status post fibula and tibia open reduction internal fixation and scar, status post left lower extremity ORIF tibia and fibula are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including unspecified depressive disorder and right shoulder strain, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 26, 2016. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual employability from this date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for initial increased disability ratings due to worsening symptoms and lack of recent VA examinations. The effective dates for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 have been granted.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to July 19, 2019. The case is being remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating determinations have been dismissed due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal of these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's left knee surgical scars are denied as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,Rosacea, hypertension, and kidney cysts service connection claims are remanded due to inadequate opinions in the November 2021 VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant withdrew their request for a higher-level review and hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claims for residuals of scar, left hand (claimed as a result of a spider bite), vertigo, infertility, gout, back spasms, and left toe condition are remanded due to the need for further medical examination and opinion regarding their etiology.,Service connection will not be granted for these conditions without additional evidence linking them to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeals for vacatur of decisions denying increased ratings and effective dates, except for tinnitus where a higher rating is not available as a matter of law.

The Veteran's right ankle sprain and associated scar have been granted service connection with an effective date of August 2, 1992. The rating for the right ankle sprain has also been restored to 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,An effective date prior to December 26, 2017, for the award of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy is denied.