Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for SMC based on need for aid and attendance of another person, and for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his service-connected conditions and their impact on his daily functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to February 26, 2020. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's left eye corneal scar, claimed as left eye droop, does not result in visual impairment or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, right eyelid trichiasis, and a scar of the face due to a head injury in service are all granted. The claim for residuals of a head injury other than these conditions is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the physical loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, nor ankylosis of either knee. Therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in purchasing a vehicle with adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed as moot because he is already receiving a 100% disability rating for his service-connected COPD and SMC based on housebound status, which covers the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain and right knee arthritis have been granted a 20 percent disability rating from August 29, 2014 to November 13, 2019. The psychiatric disorder has been granted a 30 percent disability rating for the period from August 29, 2014 to December 15, 2014. The Veteran's testicular cancer residuals have not met the criteria for a higher rating. The scars of the abdomen and inner left thigh have been granted a 20 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and left knee disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment since June 26, 2009.

The Veteran's head scar is granted a 10 percent disability rating. The low back and hand warts cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with its previous directives, specifically regarding imaging studies of the Veteran's right knee. The claim remains on appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for subpatellar chondromalacia and degenerative arthritis.

The Board has remanded the cases of hypertension and skin disability for further development to determine their relationship with service-connected conditions, including potential non-compliance with medication.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his right foot scar and neuropathy has been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding other foot disabilities.,Separate evaluations are also being considered for residuals of a right foot shrapnel injury, including hallux valgus and bilateral degenerative joint disease.

The Board has granted service connection for residual lung scarring due to pneumonia and remanded the claim of a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease claim is still pending.

The Veteran's scar, residual status post right inguinal hernia repair is painful and has not improved. A 10 percent rating for this condition is restored.,A 70 percent rating for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety, depressed mood, and insomnia is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, left lower extremity neuropathy, left upper extremity neuropathy, and neck scar disabilities due to a predecisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's service records show in-service treatment for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left ear hearing loss, fatigue secondary to OSA, and several other conditions have been denied. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a current disability in some of these cases.,Service connection for right elbow condition, left elbow condition, left hip condition (secondary to trochanteric bursitis), and left knee condition (secondary to patellofemoral syndrome) has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically whether they can be classified as residuals of organic disease or injury, and their impact on locomotion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with right first metatarsophalangeal joint traumatic arthritis, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and other conditions, are severe enough to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to re-enter the workforce and work in any substantially gainful capacity, considering his level of education, prior work experience, and training.