Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his mid-abdomen scar were denied as the scars do not meet the criteria for a compensable or higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule. The Board found that the available schedular evaluations adequately considered the Veteran's disability picture and symptomatology.

The Board has determined that the grant of service connection for a right shoulder rotator cuff tear and post-operative right shoulder arthroscopy residual scar was based on clear and unmistakable error, and thus the appeal is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since August 9, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to assess the current severity of her service-connected GERD, IBS with constipation, and scar status post cholecystectomy.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for right total knee arthroplasty with scar was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show limitation of range of motion that would permit a higher evaluation.,Service connection for Meniere's disease, lung neoplasm with surgery and residuals, and vocal damage were all denied as there is no evidence to support these conditions being related to service.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for appendectomy residuals, including neuralgia and scarring is granted due to the absence of informed consent prior to the procedures. The service connection issue regarding an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for scar, status post TENS unit placement has been dismissed as the Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal.,The Veteran's fibromyalgia is currently rated at 40 percent from December 11, 2019. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted due to lack of evidence showing episodic exacerbations or refractory symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and his residual scars on the left hand and elbow are both rated as noncompensable. The Board denied increased ratings for all issues.

The Veteran's service-connected scars, pigmentation, burns (2nd degree), bilateral ankle are being remanded for further examination and updated medical records to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for warts was granted. The claims for service connection for a skin disability (warts), scar disability, and acquired psychiatric disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's forehead and left forearm scars are granted initial 10 percent ratings.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,Service connection for bilateral shin splints, MDD and GAD secondary to PTSD, and migraine headache disability secondary to PTSD is granted.,Service connection for gastroenteritis, chronic bronchitis, and cervical dysplasia is denied.

The Veteran was denied clothing allowances in 2013, but testified at a hearing that he needed them for specific disabilities. The Board finds the matter remanded to issue an SSOC.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent since April 3, 2018. The Board finds a need for additional medical evidence to determine if the disability warranted a higher rating prior to that date.,The Veteran's lumbar spine DJD and DDD warrant an increased rating beyond the current 40 percent assigned. A remand is required to assess the severity of his condition, including whether functional equivalent of ankylosis exists due to painful flare-ups.,A compensable initial rating for scars associated with back surgery and left shoulder surgery is needed as the Veteran reported painful flare-ups but no estimated loss of motion was provided by the VA examiner.,The Veteran's scar on his midline lumbar spine requires a remand to assess its severity, including whether it meets criteria for a compensable initial rating.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims for various conditions, including pulmonary embolism with small cell lung cancer and peripheral neuropathy of multiple extremities. The Veteran's death during the appeal process means that no final decision can be made on these claims.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disability, lung disability, and stomach disability have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,Tinea pedis and pilonidal cyst were not diagnosed or treated during the appeal period.

The Veteran's right knee scars are currently rated as noncompensable, but the Board has granted a 10 percent rating for her two post-operative scars. The case is being remanded to determine if she should receive a higher rating for her right knee disability.,The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent and the case is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and provide an updated VA examination to assess the severity of her condition.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but his bilateral hearing loss and left eyebrow scar are denied. The right hand condition, right knee condition, right ankle condition (claimed as secondary to right knee condition), and lumbar spine condition (claimed as secondary to right knee condition) are all remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, but the issue of housebound status is moot due to this grant. The appeal for a higher rating for PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for right hip trochanteric pain syndrome and right knee degenerative arthritis with meniscal tear residuals have been dismissed due to the Veteran's attorney withdrawing all pending appeals.

The Veteran's appeal of the initial rating assigned for her service-connected left shoulder disability is remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The right elbow and bilateral plantar fasciitis appeals are also remanded, as well as the cystic acne with scarring appeal which requires a retrospective opinion.,The TDIU appeal is also remanded due to insufficient development of evidence regarding employment in a protected environment.