Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation from November 30, 2009, through November 14, 2014. He also has diabetes which is rated at over 60 percent. Therefore, TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate are granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development and compliance with prior remand directives, including obtaining an examination that considers the rating criteria in effect on February 29, 2000.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, lumbosacral strain, eczema of the bilateral upper extremities and hands, scarring alopecia (perifolliculitis capitis abscedens), and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) facial have all been denied. The Board found no evidence to support service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lung cancer and a surgical scar secondary to lung cancer due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during service in the Republic of Vietnam, as well as possible asbestos and jet fuel exposures. The claims are also remanded for a VA TERA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance/housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he does not require regular aid and assistance.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in the October 2021 hearing where the Veteran's right knee scars were not specifically questioned regarding their instability and pain. The case will be remanded for a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's right knee scars.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an opinion regarding service connection for varicose veins as secondary to service-connected right ankle tenosynovitis. The effective date of the rating for the right ankle scar remains April 1, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, and scars from bilateral shoulder surgery disabilities due to inadequate opinions in prior examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with its previous remand order. The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for scar, status post surgery bilateral inguinal hernia is now pending and requires further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected basal cell carcinoma with residual scarring was granted a disability rating of 10 percent for the appeal period prior to September 28, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with major depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since January 18, 2022.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as there is no current evidence of the claimed conditions and service connection cannot be established.,There is no current diagnosis for gastric ulcers, and the Veteran did not have a diagnosed condition during or contemporary to the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and attempting to obtain private medical records from a Correctional Training Facility.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The claim for an initial compensable rating for the right knee scar is denied. The claims for service connection for a left eye condition, heart condition, GERD, gastrointestinal condition, right shoulder disability, and lumbar spine disability are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful occupation effective June 14, 2015. Effective that date, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities on an extraschedular basis is granted.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU beginning February 27, 2018 due to his service-connected disabilities.,The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to February 27, 2018 is remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination reports and lack of photographs, which were requested in previous remands. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for service-connected scarring is now before the VA again.

The Veteran's service connection for tinnitus is granted.,For the period prior to April 8, 2017, a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar DDD L5-S1 is denied. From April 8, 2017, a 40 percent rating is granted and a separate 20 percent rating is granted for each lower extremity radiculopathy.,The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia patella and meniscus residuals are rated at the noncompensable level. The scars on his knees and feet are also rated as noncompensable.,Service connection for PTSD is granted with an initial 50 percent rating, but not higher.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to additional evidence being submitted by the Veteran and requires further review.