Scars Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and an increased rating for nasal fracture scar residuals due to failure of the Veteran to report to scheduled VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle condition is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for scarring of the right lower extremity, nasal disability, and sleep disability (to include sleep apnea) as they are not related to his active service.

The Veteran's initial rating for scars from a left bunion surgery and bilateral ovarian cyst removal is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for compensable ratings for scars on the face and over the body, as well as service connection for bilateral mild open angle glaucoma and bilateral senile cataracts with sixth nerve palsy were denied.,There is no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's current eye conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being REMANDED to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his thoracic spine disability, bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, left eye scar, right orbital fracture, sleep disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran will not receive a rating for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his Lisfranc injury of the right foot.

An effective date of January 1, 2022, is granted for a 70 percent rating for PTSD with depression.,An effective date of September 17, 2022, is granted for a 60 percent rating for IHD.,No earlier effective date is granted for the award of a 20 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss.,An effective date of January 11, 2010, but no earlier, is granted for service connection for a surgical scar associated with IHD.,An effective date earlier than August 10, 2022, is denied for service connection for hypertension.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and medical opinions are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, as well as a remand is required for an initial compensable rating for right lower extremity scars.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a) during the period on appeal. The Board has identified a duty to assist error and must refer the matter to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 14, 2017.

The Veteran's right shoulder scars and conditions have been evaluated, with some issues remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for hypertension or an abdominal scar, and there was no clear evidence of radiculopathy warranting separate ratings.

The Veteran's scars associated with his right lower extremity varicose veins are rated at 10 percent, but no greater. The Veteran's right lower extremity varicose veins are currently rated at 10 percent due to intermittent edema and aching in the leg after prolonged standing or walking.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances based on the use of a right ankle brace and skin ointments were denied as she did not have service-connected conditions that would qualify her for these allowances.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the original grant of service connection for an abdominal scar, as the March 2021 examination was not adequate to support a direct service connection. The Veteran's abdominal scar is determined to be due to pre-existing conditions rather than being aggravated by his time in service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for scarring as residuals of acne, tinea skin (claimed as barbae folliculitis) was denied. The claim for service connection for lumbar spine strain was granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for further development. The initial rating for left-hand radicular nerve impairment remains at 30 percent, and the rating for painful scarring of the left anterior shoulder is still at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was dismissed. The cases of service connection for chest scar, sensitive nipples (enlarged mammary glands), and torso problems are remanded.

The Board has remanded the appeal for further development and review of additional evidence, including VA and private treatment records. The issues on appeal include effective date determinations and service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance (A&A) is remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding his ability to perform daily activities.