Scars Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence showing his service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's thoracic outlet syndrome, with left upper extremity nerve involvement has been granted an increased evaluation of 40 percent since September 5, 2017. The effective date for this increase is based on the date of his claim for increase.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of frostbite of the bilateral feet, PTSD, and hypertension. The claims for TBI, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral eye disability, and back disability are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for scars of the abdomen, flank, hip, and hand, as well as residuals of a gunshot wound to the right hand with peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to insufficient development.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is warranted due to his symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including dermatitis, left ankle and knee conditions, urticaria, and nerve injury, make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether he can perform most occupations due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for gum disease is denied, but a 10 percent rating is granted for his right shoulder surgical scar.

The Veteran's claims for a left wrist scar, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are being remanded due to procedural errors in the initial decision. The AOJ is instructed to provide VCAA notice and assist in obtaining any relevant private treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's skin disorders. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's appendicitis and resulting scar are related to service-connected gastroenteritis, which may have triggered or aggravated the condition.

The Veteran's death was caused by a probable accident resulting from combined drug toxicity. Service connection for the cause of death is granted, but accrued benefits and nonservice-connected death pension benefits are denied due to untimely filing.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities were granted, but an effective date earlier than January 13, 2017 is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the severity of his right knee conditions prior to and since February 1, 2019.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 40 percent, effective throughout the appeal period. The Veteran's scarring of bilateral feet warrants a 20 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is capable of performing the physical and mental acts required by employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for her right foot scar, finding that there was no evidence of any frequent loss of covering or instability of the scar. The current 10 percent rating adequately compensates for the Veteran's reported pain and tenderness.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further development and an opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right lower extremity ulcer condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to April 17, 2019 for service connection of a painful scar status post stab wound, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity. The effective date for each condition is set at April 17, 2019.

The Board has granted a rating of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected left knee scar, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of all claims.