Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for compensable evaluations for residual scars to the appendix and shoulder, as well as a forehead laceration, have been denied due to lack of evidence supporting higher ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left ear scar, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since September 8, 2016. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from that date.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is dismissed as he has requested withdrawal of his appeal in its entirety.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection or higher ratings on several conditions have been dismissed. The claims for sebaceous cyst of the nose, chronic pharyngitis, and chronic sinusitis were reopened but not granted. Service connection for chronic sinusitis is granted under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's service-connected intestinal disability and scar are being remanded for additional examinations to determine their current severity.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is now rated at 20 percent for the period beginning October 27, 2022. The Veteran's painful scars on her left ankle are not service-connected and thus do not warrant additional evaluations.

The Veteran's right upper extremity scar, left upper extremity scars, bilateral lower extremity scars, and posterior trunk scar are all denied initial compensable ratings as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.,The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for eczema prior to November 6, 2020 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter and service connection for a sleep disorder are REMANDED.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for a right knee scar associated with degenerative joint disease of the right knee, a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee, and service connection for hypertensive vascular disease. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and consideration.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and psychiatric disability, as well as assessing the current severity of his lumbar spine, lower extremity radiculopathy, back scars, and left ear perforated tympanic membrane.

The Board has remanded the cases for compliance with previous directives and to obtain additional medical records. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings related to tarsal tunnel syndrome in the left ankle, a left ankle scar, and a low back disability are being reviewed.

The Veteran's surgical scar, residual of surgical repair of left meniscus tear and ruptured left quadriceps, is granted a 10 percent rating. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has granted service connection for right leg/knee scars, but denied service connection for a right lower leg/knee disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, Parkinson's disease, bilateral hand cramps and leg cramps secondary to Parkinson's disease due to incomplete verification of herbicide exposure in Korea. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to March 30, 2018, on an extraschedular basis due to the evidence not showing that his service-connected disabilities alone rendered him unemployable.

The Veteran's right elbow medial epicondylitis, left lower extremity PAD, diverticulosis, and vasovagal syncope are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids, warts, right foot scar, and left lower leg scar are denied as not service-connected.

The Board denied a compensable rating for a right elbow scar from October 19, 2003, to June 25, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as he did not cooperate with the VA examinations and failed to provide medical records, resulting in a lack of sufficient evidence to decide his claims.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her back disability. The issues of entitlement to higher ratings for bilateral knee disability and back disability with associated radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and scar post-spinal surgery are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected sinusitis is remanded.,The Veteran's appeal for entitlement to service connection for a neck scar is remanded.,The Veteran's appeal for entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded.,The Veteran's appeal for entitlement to service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder is remanded.,The Veteran's appeal for entitlement to service connection for a skin condition (including cellulitis and/or contact dermatitis) is remanded.,The Veteran's appeal for entitlement to service connection for hearing loss is remanded.,The Veteran's appeal for entitlement to service connection for tinnitus is remanded.,The Veteran's appeal for entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II (diabetes), to include as secondary to service-connected disability, is remanded.