Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's scar, lower anterior neck associated with pulmonary sarcoidosis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease does not meet the criteria for a compensable initial rating.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including ischemic heart disease, lumbosacral strain, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, prevented him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable disability evaluation for scars, status post right knee meniscectomy was dismissed. The Board also remanded the issues of higher disability evaluations for right total knee replacement and TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bilateral foot tinea unguium pedis and scars has been withdrawn. The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, effective from April 5, 2016.

The Board has granted a TDIU for the period from December 7, 2012, to August 21, 2016, and established basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance Benefits for the same period.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 as her bowel duct problems with scar and C. difficile infection are not considered additional disabilities resulting from VA care, treatment, or examination.

The Veteran's disability ratings for his left and right lower extremity disabilities were improperly reduced, and the VA has been ordered to restore the original ratings.,The Veteran's back disability was also remanded due to insufficient evidence of improvement.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for acne scars of the face and neck was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The initial compensable rating for anterior and posterior trunk acne scars prior to February 9, 2023, and a rating higher than 10 percent thereafter, were also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability rendered him unable to work in physical labor or sedentary environments, leading the Board to grant a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis as of August 10, 2011.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient development and examination findings, particularly regarding his right hand disability and left foot strain.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and denied service connection for a right wrist injury, to include carpal tunnel syndrome, and a right wrist scar.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 1, 2020 due to unclear time period addressed in the VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for his cervical spine scar was granted with an effective date of February 27, 2017. The appeals for all other issues were dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings were dismissed. An effective date of August 14, 2017, was granted for a 20 percent rating for neuropathy of the left lower extremity, femoral nerve.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to new evidence received since the last Statement of the Case. The claims will be readjudicated in a Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was denied prior to July 22, 2019. A 20 percent disability rating is granted beginning from that date.,A non-compensable rating for the right knee surgical scar remains unchanged.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's left shoulder surgical scar, finding that it did not meet the criteria under Diagnostic Codes 7802, 7801, or 7805.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an effective date of May 5, 1998, for the award of a separate rating for right knee surgical scars is granted. The remaining issues are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee injury, scar from left knee surgery, pain in buttocks from surgery, and MRSA due to lack of qualifying service.

The petition to reopen the previously denied service connection claim for a right hand burn scar with sensitivity to cold is granted.,The petition to reopen the previously denied service connection claim for bilateral hand arthritis is granted.