Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's uterine fibroids and associated conditions are being remanded for further development.,The claim for miscarriage is deferred due to the need for a service connection determination on the underlying condition of uterine fibroids.,The anemia claim is being remanded as there was no current diagnosis during the appeal period, and the relationship between the disability and service-connected conditions needs clarification.,The Veteran's fibromyalgia claim is being remanded to determine if her symptoms are related to service or other factors.,Frostbite residuals in both feet and hands are being remanded for further evaluation of their severity.,Bilateral eye disability ratings are being remanded due to the need for updated examination criteria application.,,

The Board has remanded the case for further action on issues related to lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance. The initial compensable ratings for right and left lower extremity scars remain denied.

The Board has granted the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease (IHD), diabetic nephropathy, and various types of neuropathy related to diabetes mellitus. The Veteran was presumed exposed to herbicide agents during his active duty in Thailand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for VR&E benefits, other than employment services, to include training in pursuit of a career as an attorney. The decision is based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his vocational goal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits in pursuit of an avocational activity, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not limit or prevent participation in leisurely farming. The decision also noted that updating or replacing existing equipment is not allowed under VA policy.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his left hand and thumb conditions.

The Veteran's skin disability, including sebaceous cysts and pyoderma gangrenosum, is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to his service-connected acne with scarring.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic features resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.,Prior to March 21, 2019, the Veteran met the schedular requirements for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The RO assigned a 10 percent rating and no higher for left thigh impairment (adduction) from July 24, 2020, and granted a compensable evaluation for the left leg residual surgical scars from September 30, 2019.

The Veteran's lumbar spine spondylolisthesis with status post-spinal fusion and healed scar was granted an initial 20 percent evaluation prior to September 2, 2014, a 40 percent evaluation from June 7, 2016, and denied any higher evaluations. The Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity received a 20 percent evaluation as of June 7, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities, and surgical scar post diskectomy are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to determine their current severity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding his service-connected neuritis of the right upper extremity. The claims will be returned to the examiner for further clarification.

The Veteran's facial scars are rated at a 50% disability rating from December 7, 2011 to December 7, 2018.,The claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment from July 30, 2008, to December 4, 2014. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether his service-connected conditions alone preclude him from obtaining and maintaining such employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that his abdominal disability did not contribute to his death and hypertension was not related to herbicide exposure. The Board also found no new evidence submitted since the last rating decision.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on his left elbow conditions have been dismissed due to unclear Notice of Disagreement.

The Veteran's scars are rated at 10 percent for painful scar, left index finger and no higher. The compensable rating for residual scar proximal palmar aspect 1st and 2nd finger, left hand is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues on appeal, including new VA examinations and opinions to address the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance, as he is able to dress and undress himself without assistance.

The Veteran's lung adenocarcinoma is considered a residual of an in-service inhalation injury, meeting the criteria for a special home adaptation grant.