Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected left femur, left knee, left ankle, left leg shortening, and back disabilities. The VA examiner should provide a full description of the Veteran's disabilities and report all signs and symptoms necessary for evaluating the Veteran's disabilities, including under the rating criteria.

The Veteran's epidermal cysts on back with scars have been granted a 30 percent disability rating. The issue of service connection for impairment of sphincter control, secondary to hemorrhoids is remanded due to lack of an addendum medical opinion and the need for VA examination records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities allowed him to qualify for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) beginning August 12, 2010. He also received special monthly compensation (SMC) pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Veteran's left arm scar was denied a compensable rating prior to September 18, 2019 and from September 18, 2019. A separate noncompensable disability rating for the same condition was granted effective May 28, 2021.,The Veteran's CAD with acute subacute or old myocardial infarction was granted a 30 percent disability rating from September 20, 2019 and denied any higher ratings. The Veteran also received TDIU prior to January 29, 2019.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings on right and left foot hallux valgus, as well as the scars associated with these conditions, is being remanded due to procedural errors in the rating decisions. The issues are not about service connection but rather about the appropriate disability ratings.

The Board has remanded the cases for further evidentiary development due to inadequate VA examination reports. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to March 25, 2015 are also remanded.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for hypertension, but the issues of entitlement to initial ratings for restless leg syndrome, status post lipoma excision right lateral neck with residual scar, and herpes zoster (shingles) are remanded due to incomplete examinations.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus no further action will be taken on these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including asthma, PTSD, and IBS, are at least as likely to prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude substantially gainful employment prior to May 29, 2014. Therefore, the claim for TDIU prior to that date is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The case was remanded for further action.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was initially denied prior to September 3, 2014. From that date until November 1, 2022, he received a 10 percent rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The right inguinal scar has been rated as 10 percent disabling since the examination in October 2022.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for a surgical scar of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have necessitated his reliance on others to attend to his daily personal activities, and the Board has determined that he requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD and heart issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for mouth scars and back condition have been denied. The claim for service connection for jaw condition (TMJ) has been remanded due to the need for a more definitive opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected left leg disabilities caused his alcohol use and/or cannabis use disorders.

The Veteran's initial ratings for scar, status post inguinal hernia and allergic rhinitis with deviated septum and sinusitis are denied. The Board finds a remand is necessary to obtain relevant treatment records and conduct an adequate VA examination.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) is denied as the Veteran does not have these conditions for VA purposes.

The Board has determined that additional evidence needs to be considered and the claims are being remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's umbilical hernia and left inguinal hernia scar need to be reassessed.

The Veteran's right thumb scars are rated as 20 percent disabling since April 23, 2021. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent is remanded due to the need for clarification on whether his hand shaking and numbness were caused or aggravated by his right thumb disability. Additionally, the Veteran's hearing loss is denied as he does not meet the criteria for a VA hearing loss disability.