Scars Board decisions

For the period of May 10, 2018 to March 10, 2022, the Veteran's painful scars were rated at 30 percent.,Since March 10, 2022, the Veteran's painful scars have not met the criteria for a rating greater than 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee and left knee osteoarthritis are remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to assess the severity of his disabilities, including any flare-ups and repetitive use.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an adequate medical examination regarding the functionality of his left testis, which could impact the rating assigned for his service-connected left testicular atrophy.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the severity of his left palm scar condition and if he has a separate skin condition. The RO must also obtain all relevant medical records.

The Veteran's forehead scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it does not exhibit any characteristic of disfigurement or visible/palpable tissue loss, and there is no evidence of pain or other disabling effects. The claim for an initial compensable rating for the forehead scar is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and left temple scar did not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to August 21, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease with scar is remanded due to the need for additional examination to assess the extent of functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee and hip disabilities for further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD, right shoulder injury, tender scars, asthma, and sleep apnea disabilities were denied increased ratings. The Veteran was not working due to his service-connected conditions but returned to work.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for electrocution scar residual, left upper back was denied as the evidence did not show any active symptoms.,The Veteran's claims for service connection of right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss were both denied due to lack of current diagnosis or causal connection to service.,The Veteran's claim for memory loss was denied as there is no currently diagnosed condition that meets VA criteria.,The Veteran's claims for electrocution residuals, including left arm, foot, right foot, and shoulder conditions, were all denied as the evidence did not show any current diagnoses or causal connection to service.

The Veteran's claims for right foot scar, fractured right foot, and related radiculopathy were denied. The claim for service connection for depression was also remanded.,The Veteran's claim for right hip pain associated with his service-connected fracture was remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches, lumbar spine disability, back scar, and cervical spine disability prior to October 23, 2018. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background, thus denying the claim for a TDIU.

The Veteran's scars have been rated based on their pain and not by limitation of function. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not show more than one or two painful scars.,Prior to September 3, 2017, the Veteran did not meet criteria for a compensable initial evaluation due to lack of systemic therapy over the past year.,From September 3, 2017 to August 20, 2018, the Veteran's scar with abscess warranted a 10 percent rating based on intermittent systemic therapy less than six weeks over the prior year. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating as the scar did not meet criteria for more severe ratings.,From August 20, 2018 to present, the Veteran's scar with abscess does not warrant a compensable rating due to lack of systemic therapy and other factors.

An effective date of September 13, 2010 for a 20 percent rating for residuals of a left knee meniscectomy (left knee instability) is granted. A rating in excess of 20 percent for left knee instability is denied. From September 13, 2010 but no earlier, a 10 percent rating for left knee range of motion is granted; subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits. A rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee range of motion is denied. From September 13, 2010 but no earlier, a separate 20 percent rating for frequent episodes of left knee pain, locking, and effusion into the joint is granted; subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits. From September 13, 2010 but no earlier, a 10 percent rating for the left knee meniscectomy scar is granted; subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for hypertension, sternum scar, coronary artery disease, chronic anemia, respiratory disorder, and kidney disease. The Veteran's VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records are to be obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for compensation purposes for the claimed right Muscle Group VII injury residuals, right Muscle Group VIII injury residuals, right median nerve entrapment, medial nerve release residuals and carpal tunnel syndrome, post operative right median nerve entrapment release scar residuals, and right shoulder tendinitis.

The Board has granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) for the period prior to June 22, 2016, based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.