Scars Board decisions

Service connection granted for IBS, PTSD, and cervical spine disability. Service connection denied for gastroenteritis and acquired psychiatric disability (depressive disorder).

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable disability rating for left eye central macular scar with hypertensive retinopathy (to include retinal macroaneurysm in the left eye status post laser) prior to January 24, 2014 was denied. From January 24, 2014 to January 29, 2017, a disability rating of 10 percent and no higher was granted. The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating from January 30, 2017 to April 17, 2019 was denied. Finally, the Veteran's request for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent from April 18, 2019 was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and improper consideration of multiple respiratory conditions. The Veteran's son testified that his breathing problems started after a heart surgery, but the VA examiner did not provide sufficient rationale for their opinion regarding secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for DDD of the lumbar spine prior to May 31, 2017, and his TDIU claim prior to that date were both denied. The Board found insufficient evidence to support higher ratings or entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a need for SMC benefits at the housebound rate, but his need for A&A assistance is unclear and requires further evaluation.

The Veteran's request for restoration of the 60 percent rating for sarcoidosis is granted, and his claim for service connection for a keloid scar condition is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his left shoulder injury with a history of a partial tendon tear and acromioclavicular joint arthritis, right knee meniscal tear, left ring finger fracture, scars of the right knee and left shoulder, are being remanded for additional development to determine their current severity.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and his scar left index finger is currently rated as noncompensable after January 24, 2020.,The Veteran's scar left index finger was previously rated under diagnostic code 7805. After January 24, 2020, it is rated as 10 percent disabling under diagnostic code 7804.,Both ratings are denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including reopening a claim for bilateral hearing loss and increasing disability ratings for various hip and scar conditions. Additional records are needed from the Air Force Reserve.

The Veteran's asbestosis and residual scar, status-post removal of a pilonidal cyst were denied ratings. The decision for the asbestosis was due to Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) not meeting criteria for a compensable rating. For the scar, no pain or instability was found prior to February 22, 2016, and after that date, no additional disabling effects were found warranting an increased rating.

The Board denied service connection for facial scars, finding clear and unmistakable evidence that the scars preexisted service and were not aggravated during service. The Board also found no evidence of aggravation by service-connected IBS or adjustment disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals perilunate dislocation, right wrist and for a compensable rating for right wrist scar associated with residuals perilunate dislocation, right wrist due to insufficient evidence. A new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of these disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for right shoulder, left knee, right ankle, and scar on the right hand disorders due to incomplete records. Further development is required.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to September 28, 2018 was denied as he was not unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with TBI, shoulder impingement syndrome, and osteoarthritis of the left ankle, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted his claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed.,New evidence received since the October 2013 rating decision has reopened claims for service connection, but not all of these claims have been granted.

The Veteran's combined rating for her service-connected disabilities is 60%, which meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU. However, she does not meet the noneconomic component of a TDIU as she can still perform substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in a combined rating of 100 percent prior to November 13, 2017. However, the Board finds that his single disability rated at 100 percent does not render him unemployable due to these conditions alone.

The Veteran's claim for total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities for the period prior to March 28, 2017 is being remanded as there are insufficient records of functional impairment during that time.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a compensable disability evaluation for left shoulder scars associated with chronic left shoulder strain have been denied. The Board has also remanded the issues of entitlement to higher evaluations for chronic left shoulder strain, recurrent subluxation of scapulohumeral joint, and extension of temporary total disability evaluation.