Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD, persistent migratory polyarthralgia, postoperative scar of the left lower extremity, and varicose veins of the left leg were denied. The VA determined that the current ratings adequately reflected the severity of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, acne (including scarring), and tinnitus due to new evidence indicating worsening of symptoms since the last examination. The effective dates for service connection are also being remanded as VA treatment records may be missing.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine was denied prior to October 13, 2015. From that date, he received a 20 percent disability rating.,For radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, the Veteran received a 40 percent disability rating from October 13, 2015. For right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve), he was granted a 20 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected scars of the left index finger, right breast, and left chest have been granted a 10 percent evaluation. Additionally, she has received a separate 20 percent evaluation for her left chest scar based on limitation of motion in the shoulder.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for a left ear disability, characterized as chronic scarring of the left tympanic membrane post-ear drum perforation, is denied.

The Veteran's left foot ulcer and associated scar are rated at 40 percent, effective September 27, 2015. The Board also granted a TDIU beginning from September 27, 2009.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed due to their death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as they are now deceased.

The Veteran's left varicocelectomy scar is currently rated as noncompensable, but a compensable rating of 10 percent is granted.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent and the claim for an increased evaluation is remanded.

The Board has granted a TDIU as of May 10, 2021, due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied service connection for lower back disability, right foot disability (including plantar warts), right knee disability, left knee disability, and left elbow disability. Service connection was granted for a coronal suture scar.

The Board has remanded the cases of skin cancer and scarring of the head and nose due to insufficient development, including a need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied across multiple conditions, including right lower leg scars, left knee strain and instability, low back pain, right common peroneal nerve injury, and sciatic nerve radiculopathy. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for headaches, a left elbow disorder, and post-operative residuals of abdominal surgery, other than residual scarring due to insufficient evidence in the March 2020 VA examination report. The Veteran's current condition is being evaluated.

Service connection is granted for a scar of the right lower extremity.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for his service-connected scar, status post left testicular removal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the condition and any associated functional impairment.

The Board has denied a higher disability evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected thoracostomy scar due to pneumothorax, but has remanded the issue of entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records of in-patient treatment and surgery at the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton. The claims will be reconsidered with these additional records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right foot scars and disability have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of his service-connected right foot disability has also been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability is reopened, but the effective date earlier than March 18, 2014 is denied.,The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for right knee internal derangement and degenerative joint disease, scar, status post right medial meniscectomy, painful right knee scar, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and degenerative disc disease mild and facet arthropathy, mild L4-5, L5-S1 are all denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee condition is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development of the evidence.