Scars Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for right leg burn scar. Service connection is granted for respiratory disorder, sinusitis, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, LLE peripheral neuropathy, multiple joint disability (arthritis), fatigue, and GERD based on presumptive exposure to fine particulate matter in the Persian Gulf.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for her left foot scar prior to July 5, 2022 is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for painful scar, left foot from July 5, 2022 is denied.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as her service-connected disabilities do not render her unemployable.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for residual scar of coronary bypass graft was denied as there were no other disabling effects not considered in a rating provided under Diagnostic Codes 7800-04.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied due to the lack of a current diagnosis that conforms to DSM-5 criteria and the absence of evidence linking current symptoms to service. The Veteran's mental health records do not show any mental disorders or treatment related to his military service.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for scar, right lower donor site was denied as there were no other disabling effects not considered in a rating provided under Diagnostic Codes 7800-04.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for scar, left lower donor site was denied as there were no other disabling effects not considered in a rating provided under Diagnostic Codes 7800-04.

The Board has dismissed all issues due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evaluations and considerations of separate ratings for ear conditions, including perforated ear drum, ear scaring, running ear, and chronic otitis media. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is also being reconsidered.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on his service-connected knee disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the current evaluations are appropriate and do not warrant additional compensation.

The Veteran's unemployability due to his service-connected PTSD and other disabilities has been recognized, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114 (s)(1).

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for left wrist scars, to include on an extraschedular basis, was denied due to the lack of qualifying scar area and no associated underlying soft tissue damage or instability.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder was also denied as her symptoms do not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and right inguinal hernia with scar due to incomplete STRs, lack of verification of duty status during relevant periods, and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's lung disability, metastatic sarcoma of the lungs with status wedge resection of the right middle lobe, is currently rated as non-compensable. The Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted based on post-bronchodilator PFT results showing FEV-1/FVC at 81 percent predicted.,The Veteran's right thigh scar associated with his service-connected stage III sarcoma of the right inner thigh resection is currently rated as non-compensable. The Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted based on current VA examination findings and the Veteran's lay statements regarding pain, itchiness, and difficulty putting on pants.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right foot hallux valgus, as well as scars of the feet. The Veteran is required to report for a VA examination to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to inadequate examination and the need for additional evidence. The issues of increased ratings for right knee dislocated semilunar cartilage, limitation of flexion, and scar are being addressed.

An effective date of December 15, 2008 is granted for the award of service connection for diabetes mellitus.,An effective date of February 26, 2009 is granted for the award of service connection for residual scar, spindle cell sarcoma removal, scalp associated with herbicide exposure.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates on multiple conditions, including right knee strain, constipation, and rhinitis. The claims are dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the percentage requirements for a schedular TDIU rating prior to September 22, 2009. The Board finds that there is insufficient evidence to substantiate a reasonable possibility that the Veteran is unemployable solely by reason of his service-connected disabilities and thus, entitlement to a TDIU rating on an extraschedular basis has been denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for right shoulder rotator cuff impingement, left hand radicular nerve impairment, and left anterior shoulder surgical scar due to the need for further development through VA examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus and dismissed the appeal regarding an initial increased rating for scar, laceration of left hand. The case is remanded to assess the current severity of the residuals of laceration to left hand with injury to the left ulnar nerve.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disorder, painful scar -back (secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis with lumbar disc displacement and failed back syndrome osteoarthritis), and right hand disorder are remanded.