Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for status post-stab wound to the left chest was denied. The Veteran's initial ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to December 9, 2020, and a rating in excess of 20 percent beginning December 9, 2020, for left chest scars associated with the left chest stab wound were also denied.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected back scar and for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting either claim.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to April 4, 2017 for further development. The issues have been referred to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to December 18, 2013 are remanded due to a failure to send the Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) to his representative at his current address.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU from November 1, 2014 to March 2, 2016 is dismissed as moot because he is already receiving a combined 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of appendectomy, painful scar is denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that his condition involves an area of at least 39 square centimeters or results in frequent loss of covering of skin over the scar.

The Veteran's initial rating for a left leg scar is granted at 10 percent, but no higher. The Board finds the Veteran has one painful and unstable scar on his left leg that does not measure 39 square centimeters.,PTSD remains remanded as the Veteran testified to worsening symptoms since his last VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his scar on the left shoulder and left shoulder disability have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder and hip disabilities have been reopened due to new and material evidence. However, further examination is needed as the current medical opinions are inadequate.,VA examinations are required for increased ratings of CAD, residual CABG scar, cervical spine disability, left knee disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and bilateral hand disability.

The Veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for his skin disorder from November 25, 2009 to July 3, 2013. The appeal is denied for any rating in excess of 10 percent for the period from July 3, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to a duty to assist error. He needs an examination to determine if he requires aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) was denied as he failed to provide the required VA Form 21-8940, Application for Increased Compensation Based on Individual Unemployability. The Board found that the Veteran has not met his burden of establishing that he is unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for a seizure disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his in-service heat stroke incident.,The Board also denied service connection for gastrointestinal disabilities, including IBS and perforated colon issues. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to any period of service.

The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for metatarsalgia of the feet, painful scars of the feet, and linear scars of the feet. Additionally, a SMC claim based on aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for scars and residuals following a rhytidectomy was denied, as the evidence did not show that VA care caused his additional disability. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss prior to May 8, 2021 was rated at 20 percent, while after this date it was rated at 40 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected scar and SFW disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated VA treatment records and examinations.

The Board denied separate compensable ratings for limitation of motion associated with left and right wrist ganglion cyst excision scars, as the Veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 5215.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including adjustment disorder and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, are found to be so severe that they render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy were granted an effective date of June 28, 2017. The rating for the lumbar spine scar was granted with a 40% rating effective August 10, 2018.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence to decide the claim, including an examination and etiology opinion.