Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the evidence does not support an extension of the 100% evaluation for his period of convalescence beyond January 1, 2018. The rating in excess of 10% from September 18, 2020, and compensable rating for service-connected anterior trunk scars are also denied.

The Veteran's 30 percent rating for PFB and right forehead scar post laceration was reduced to a noncompensable rating in November 2018. The Board found the reduction improper, and reinstated the 30 percent rating effective February 1, 2019.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress and generalized anxiety disorder is granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for CAD prior to November 10, 2017 was denied. Effective December 30, 2015, the Veteran received service connection for scars related to his CAD and right lower lateral abdomen.,An effective date of December 30, 2015 but no earlier for the award of service connection for scar, right lower lateral abdomen is granted.,An effective date of December 30, 2015 but no earlier for the award of service connection for scar, CAD is granted.

Service connection is granted for prostate cancer and hypertension associated with herbicide agent exposure under the PACT Act.,The Veteran's service in Korea from June 1968 to January 1969 was presumed due to his exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his right wrist disability and right wrist scars was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or scars, as the current ratings were already at their maximum.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for post-operative residuals of allergic rhinitis surgery including a scar should be remanded due to additional evidence being added to the claims file.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in rating and for an updated medical opinion regarding the Veteran's right knee prior to September 21, 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his lumbar spine and lower extremity musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, necessitate regular aid and attendance of another person. The evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether these conditions result in the need for such assistance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his residual scar of the left index finger was also denied due to lack of evidence showing that the condition resulted in any disabling effects not already contemplated by the rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for traumatic amputation of the right second and third toes was denied. Effective dates of August 31, 2012 were granted for service connection of right foot scars and right foot neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in an August 2021 rating decision was dismissed as the appellant no longer wished to pursue the appeal.

The Board denied requests for earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for various lower extremity radiculopathies and painful surgical scars, as well as intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a Cesarean section scar and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.,The Board has also determined that the left ankle disorder is related to reserve service and thus, service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased disability rating for scalp scars and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of all issues by the Veteran's counsel.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and related disabilities were denied service connection due to lack of evidence showing onset or relationship to service.,Service connection for PTSD was also denied, as the Veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to show that his condition manifested in service.

The Veteran's cervical spine, bilateral knee, left shoulder, right ankle, and right ankle scar disabilities have been granted service connection.,Residuals from a head injury (including traumatic brain injury and headaches) and bilateral detached retinas are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case to refer the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities for extraschedular consideration. The AOJ is directed to obtain an opinion from the Director of Compensation Service regarding this matter.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as they were received within one year of his separation from active service, and the effective dates cannot be earlier than August 1, 2013.

The Veteran's neurogenic bladder is rated at 40 percent, which adequately compensates for his condition.,The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is currently rated at 30 percent and the evidence does not support a higher rating.