Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him incapable of securing and following a substantially gainful occupation as of May 1, 2018. Effective May 1, 2018, the Veteran is granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for a scar on the right side of the neck and swollen lymph nodes are being remanded due to insufficient examinations, particularly regarding cranial nerves.

The Board has remanded the claim for left eye condition, specifically corneal scar, pinguecula, and incipient nuclear sclerosis, due to inadequate examination. The appellant is seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's right ear scar and chronic dermatitis are rated at 30 percent, with an additional 10 percent for the painful and unstable nature of the scar. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's vertigo is granted as service-connected. An initial compensable rating for the abdominal scar is denied, but a separate 10 percent rating for painful scar as of February 8, 2022, is granted. Service connection for dyspnea (claimed as asthma), right shoulder condition, bilateral pes planus, left knee condition, and right ankle condition are all remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for right shoulder scar, bilateral knee disability, low back disability, and bilateral ankle disability. The appeal for sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's increased rating for acne on chest and back was granted.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae scar on neck is remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability and associated surgical scar are being remanded for further examination to determine their current severity, with a focus on the impact of flare-ups and upper extremity numbness. The rating for his service-connected right shoulder disability is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for bilateral knee disabilities due to inadequate examination findings.,Further development is required to obtain an adequate medical examination and assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a fracture of the left wrist and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance as they do not cause anatomical loss or use of both feet, blindness in both eyes with visual acuity of 5/200 or less, permanent bedridden status, or being so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's left forearm and hand burn scars are rated at 30 percent, but the painful scars on his left forearm, left hand, and right thigh are rated at 30 percent effective December 4, 2019.,The Veteran's depressive disorder to include anxiety is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn. The remaining issues, including those related to the left hand and right knee disabilities, are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

GERD has been dismissed as the RO granted a new claim for GERD in June 2023, which was not part of the original appeal.,Service connection for scars on the bilateral eyebrows is granted. The Veteran's lay testimony regarding his injury during service is considered credible.

The Board has granted service connection for a left heel/achilles scar and remanded the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic left heel pain. The right knee scar case is still pending.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was submitted after the appeal was transferred to the Board and a waiver of RO review was sought. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus is remanded as no SSOC addressing this issue has been issued.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability and associated scars do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has restored service connection for degenerative joint disease cervical spine, residual midline incisional scar of the posterior neck, and depressive disorder NOS as these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the issuance of a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected detached retina, right eye disability is remanded for an updated VA examination. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is also remanded for a VA examination to determine its onset and relationship to active service.