Scars Board decisions

The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on service-connected hypoxic disorder, mental health and cognitive disorder from May 23, 2016. He is also granted SMC from May 23, 2016.,The Board has referred the issue of entitlement to a TDIU for the period from August 31, 2012 to May 23, 2016 on an extraschedular basis pursuant to 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) to the Director of Compensation Service.,The Veteran's claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence showing he was unemployable solely based on his service-connected disabilities during the period from August 31, 2012 to May 23, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted TDIU effective May 1, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for body scars was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on pain or instability of the scars.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for sleep apnea, increased ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis and residuals of a fracture of the left distal tibia and fibula with varus deformity and left ankle fracture with limitation of motion and left knee condition with arthritis, as well as an increase in rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The appeal seeking SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance was granted.

The Veteran's disability rating for a heart disorder was restored from 60% to 30%, effective August 8, 2014. The Board found that the evidence did not show actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work, thus restoring the original rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on unemployability prior to December 24, 2020 due to insufficient evidence showing his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The AOJ is instructed to request that the Veteran complete a VA Form 21-8940 application and refer the matter to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration of entitlement to TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has granted service connection for a corneal scar of the right eye but has remanded to determine if the Veteran's bilateral pinguecula and dry eye syndrome are related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for right leg scars was denied. The Board found that the scars did not meet criteria for a compensable disability rating due to their size and lack of instability or pain. Service connection for right shin dermatitis and left leg rashes is remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's left eye disorder, including macular scar, glaucomatous atrophy, cataract, and intraocular lens, is denied as not related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including new VA examinations to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right knee disorder and residual scars of the right knee. The effective date for the grant of service connection remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back condition, including facet arthritis with lumbar strain, DDD, anterior subluxation, herniated nucleus pulposus and scars (low back), is related to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to insufficient evidence from the period prior to March 28, 2018. The VA will need to provide updated treatment records and schedule a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left ankle disability and scar.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for additional special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the disability rating for left thigh scar prior to March 3, 2020, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter. The Board has dismissed this issue.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral iliac artery aneurysm, right; bilateral iliac artery aneurysm, left; carotid artery occlusive disease; infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm; and removal of spleen due to river flukes as secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease. The issues of service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II (due to herbicide exposure) have been granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims of service connection for lupus panniculitis, sensitivity to cold, head scar, and two right shoulder scars. As a result, the Board dismissed these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain (low back disability) and right foot degenerative arthritis (right foot disability).,Service connection is denied for a lineal mid-forehead scar and benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV).

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions have been granted. The rating issues related to his knees and lower extremities, as well as his left eye disabilities, are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative disease with spinal stenosis and right ankle disability were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.