Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him incapable of performing daily activities or require regular assistance to protect himself from hazards, thus SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder and knee scar disability is granted a 20 percent evaluation, effective September 1, 2014. The right shoulder scar is denied an evaluation greater than 10 percent since February 10, 2021.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for his surgical scar, right lower extremity, was denied. The issue of service connection for a left leg scar with numbness has been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for headaches and dizziness is moot as the benefits are already provided through his existing service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee and hip replacements, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since June 28, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation of his right shin splints, which may affect the rating for his right knee disability. The claim for a compensable rating for right knee arthroscopic surgical scars remains denied.

The Veteran's left knee total arthroplasty with residual scar is rated at a 60 percent, effective May 1, 2017.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was remanded due to issues with the Board's analysis of his educational history and work capacity. The case is now being returned for further consideration.

The Board has granted a 10% rating for the Veteran's residual scar, status post-lumbar left laminectomy. The scar is painful but not unstable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's February 2007 claim for a 'right hand scar that is tender' reasonably encompassed a related claim for a right wrist and right hand disability. The November 2011 Board decision implicitly denied this claim, and as the Veteran did not appeal this implicit denial, it remains final. The matter of service connection for a right wrist and right hand disability is REMANDED due to the need for updated VA treatment records and an examination.

The Veteran is granted TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate due to service-connected disabilities, effective July 19, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and unresolved issues regarding his disabilities. The claims will be reviewed again with additional evidence and examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of substantial compliance with the November 2018 Board remand, specifically regarding the VA examination for assessing functional limitations caused by the Veteran's service-connected scar on his abdominal muscles.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for scalp scar, skin cancer (not specified), other skin condition (to include chloracne and dry skin on the feet), and sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims are pending as they have not yet been decided.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied a compensable initial rating for the Veteran's service-connected right knee surgical scar, finding that the disability did not meet the criteria for any higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's corneal scar of the left eye, resulting from a March 2006 PRP procedure at a VA facility, is not considered to be proximately caused by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault by VA. The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board has decided to remand several claims related to the Veteran's disabilities, including ratings for scars and radiculopathies of the lower extremities. The appeals are being sent back for further action.

The Veteran's surgical scars of the abdomen, flank, and left upper extremity areas were granted a disability rating of 20 percent from September 10, 2010 to December 13, 2018. A higher rating is denied throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral cataract disability and increased ratings for residuals of compound fracture, right wrist and left wrist. The Veteran's claims are currently under review.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for right eye scarring and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by his authorized representative.