Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's initial and subsequent ratings for pulmonary fibrosis, residual left lung base interstitial changes with scaring, were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable for the period prior to April 12, 2017. As of April 12, 2017, his combined rating was 100%, and he is in receipt of special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in an inability to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, as his unemployability is attributed to non-service-connected conditions such as a stroke and substance abuse.

The Board has found that there has been substantial compliance with its remand instructions and is now remanding the claims for increased ratings for left knee disability based on limitation of extension, flexion, and instability.

The Veteran's right wrist condition is rated at 60 percent, effective from September 29, 2014 to May 21, 2018. The Veteran also received SMC for loss of use of the right hand during this period. His left and right hip scars are each rated at 10 percent, effective from September 29, 2014 to May 21, 2018. A total disability rating due to unemployability is granted.

The Veteran's claim for Individual Unemployability prior to January 2, 2011 is denied as he was gainfully employed full-time from November 9, 2008 to January 1, 2011 and did not meet the statutory criteria for a TDIU during that period.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, femoral nerve has been granted increased ratings to 30 percent each. The Veteran's residual scar is not compensable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorder. The other claims regarding pulmonary hypertension, chronic renal insufficiency, and a scar from endarterectomy are still pending.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the issues on appeal due to incomplete records and inadequate examination. The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right upper extremity-dominant cervical radiculopathy, left upper extremity non dominant cervical radiculopathy, and surgical scar, right upper neck are all service-connected.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia, cervical spine disability, scar of the umbilical region, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and gynecological disability are all found to be related to her service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.,Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's vertigo as secondary to her service-connected migraines.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for residual burn scars to the face and a compensable rating for residual burn scars to both forearms, including any related burn scar to the chest are denied. The TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for varicose veins, ulnar nerve transposition residuals, and psoriasis are remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current liver disability and therefore denied service connection for this condition. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for asbestosis and residual scar, status-post removal of a pilonidal cyst are remanded for further development.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU, rendering moot his claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and IHD.,The Veteran's service-connected hypertension has been granted as presumptively related to herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease, status post CABG with scar and atherosclerosis, is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's appeals for disability ratings for two scars have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions from VA examiners regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left eye corneal scar and/or corneal opacity. The examiner must consider the Veteran's reported history of injury during service, as well as prior clinical findings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates prior to July 15, 2013, were denied as the evidence did not show that increases in disability occurred prior to this date. The right knee scar was rated compensable but no higher, while the lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and RLE radiculopathy received increased ratings effective July 15, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and reopening of service connection claims due to inadequate examinations in previous decisions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions reasonably precluded gainful employment prior to August 2, 2016. An effective date prior to this date for the award of a TDIU is granted.