Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating as his pure tone thresholds do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's left foot laceration status post artery repair with residuals is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum available under DC 5284. The Board finds no basis to assign a higher rating based on the evidence of record.,The Veteran's left foot neuropathy disability warrants a separate 20 percent rating as it manifests as incomplete moderate paralysis of the left lower extremity.,The Veteran's left foot scar disability is rated at noncompensable, but the Board finds that one or two scars are painful and warrant a 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for painful scars of the head is currently pending. The Board has remanded this issue due to insufficient reasoning and bases provided.,The Veteran also seeks an earlier effective date prior to August 22, 2015, for the grant of service connection for painful scars of the head. The Board has also remanded this issue.

The Veteran's bilateral gynecomastia, status-post soft tissue reduction with residual scars claim is remanded for additional development and an appropriate rating determination.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residual scar, status post ganglion cyst excision of the right hand has been dismissed due to a withdrawal request by the Veteran's representative.

The Board has remanded the claims due to a lack of VA examination and missing medical records. The Veteran's right and left elbow disabilities, as well as their associated scars, are being reviewed for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left shoulder disability and painful facial scars, as well as her TDIU claim due to service-connected disabilities. The cases are being returned for further examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to April 18, 2019. The case was remanded for additional development regarding the period from April 18, 2019 to September 25, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right hallux rigidus, service connection for left knee disorder, and service connection for right knee disorder due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board found that the Veteran was not precluded from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities prior to February 10, 2020.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a current left nasal cavity disability for VA purposes and his chest/abdominal scars are not related to, or proximately due to, active service. The case is being remanded for further examination regarding sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings related to scars and appendectomy residuals is being remanded due to the need to obtain medical records from his period of incarceration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The SMC claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with other issues.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding private treatment records and a request for Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The issues of service connection, evaluation in excess of 10 percent disabling, and initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent disabling are pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right shoulder arthroplasty with scars was denied. However, he was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected right shoulder arthroplasty with scars.

The Veteran's Migraine Headaches are rated at 50 percent from January 22, 2020 and granted. The compensable rating for Traumatic Brain Injury prior to January 22, 2020 is denied. The issue of TDIU has been raised.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to March 17, 2016.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to potential issues with obtaining medical records and a VA examination. The Veteran's back condition may be related to his in-service activities, but further evidence is needed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The left lower leg scar was rated at 10 percent prior to February 4, 2021 and at 20 percent thereafter.,TDIU was denied as the Veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for a combined disability rating of 70 percent due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his left foot and ankle condition, folliculitis of the face, and scarring of the scalp. The low back disability claim remains denied.

The Veteran's scar, status-post incision and drainage of cellulitis right lower extremity is granted a disability rating of 10 percent.