Scars Board decisions

The Board has revised the combined disability rating from 60% to 50% for the period from January 1, 2012 to February 29, 2016 due to legal error in the original decision.

The Veteran's hidradenitis suppurativa and left knee surgical scar have not been evaluated for compensation purposes due to the need for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residual scars of the left ankle was denied as his scars were not painful or unstable and did not affect an area of at least 6 square inches (39 square centimeters).,The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for status post bimalleolar fracture with traumatic arthritis, left ankle was also denied. The most probative evidence does not reach the level of equipoise as to whether his condition manifested functional impairment to the extent that higher staged ratings may be assigned at any point during the rating period.

The Board has remanded the issues of initial compensable ratings for left knee disabilities and a rating in excess of 30 percent for left knee extension, as well as a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee instability. The appellant will receive an SOC addressing these issues.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for a rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine status post spinal fusion, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a healed surgical scar on the upper posterior trunk, and an effective date earlier than May 19, 2014 for the award of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis, left leg injury, left leg scar, left shoulder injury, and head injury as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations. The claims will be remanded to allow for these steps.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and consideration, including obtaining retrospective medical opinions on the severity of the Veteran's rosacea and facial scars from December 2015 until February 6, 2020.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, as his education and vocational history are sufficient for him to obtain such employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Meniere's disease and a rating for forehead scarring have been granted. The Veteran is now entitled to a 10% disability rating for his forehead scars, which are painful but not unstable.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's left knee disability and has remanded issues related to service connection for low back, left hip, and left ankle disorders.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed due to his withdrawal of the issues. The Board also noted that new VA examinations are needed for some of the disabilities on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his skin condition and acquired psychiatric disorder, make it impossible for him to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for scars of the right knee and left thigh, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, and recurring ear infections. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected PFB, Onychomycosis/Tinea Pedis, and Dry Skin (Ichthyosis Vulgaris) are not rated higher than the current 10% due to the skin conditions affecting less than 20% of his body or exposed areas.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection was partially granted. The Veteran is now rated at 10% for residuals of laceration injury, left middle finger; however, his claims for an evaluation in excess of 10% for painful scar, left middle finger, associated with residuals of laceration injury, and for an evaluation in excess of 20% for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity are denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple pulmonary nodules, right upper outer lung, and left foot tendonitis is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions and whether they are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further development, including a new vocational rehabilitation evaluation and functional capacity assessment. The Veteran's service-connected conditions have worsened since his last evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for right knee disabilities and the issue of entitlement to TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran is also required to be provided with a VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disabilities.