Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for painful scars of the right wrist is granted, subject to controlling regulations governing the payment of monetary awards. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU has been raised and requires referral to VA's Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability, along with other disabilities, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from May 17, 2014. He is also entitled to special monthly compensation at the housebound rate for this period.

The claim for an increased rating of service-connected residual scars, excision basal cell carcinoma, right forehead and left temple is remanded due to the need for additional development involving private medical records from Dr. H and Dr. W.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions due to insufficient evidence and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee chondromalacia patella with instability was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pharyngitis has been reopened, and the Board has granted a 10% disability rating for scar, status post fibroadenoma excision of the left breast. The issue of service connection for pharyngitis is now resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his ventral hernia scar prior to July 1, 2018 was denied as the scar did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 7804 or DC 7805.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his ventral hernia scar from July 1, 2018 to January 31, 2021 was denied as the scar did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 7804.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his ventral hernia scar from February 1, 2021 was denied as he did not have five or more scars that were unstable or painful.

The Veteran's burn scars of the hands are rated as peripheral neuropathy, which encompasses nerve damage symptoms such as pain and numbness. No other residual symptoms from scarring have been considered.,The Veteran's right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is currently rated at 30 percent, but no higher rating is warranted given the current evidence.

The Board has dismissed all claims for increased ratings and compensation due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's right knee and left knee conditions have been granted increased ratings, with the right knee receiving a 20% evaluation from January 31, 2011 until December 3, 2013. The TDIU claim has also been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for VR&E benefits to pursue an educational goal of obtaining a bachelor's degree due to his service-connected and nonservice-connected disabilities, as well as barriers in physical, behavioral, and mental health.

The Board has remanded two issues: one regarding a compensable rating for a kidney removal scar and the other regarding a disability rating in excess of 60 percent for neoplasm of the kidney. The Veteran's reports of pain must be adequately addressed, and private treatment records are needed.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a compensable disability rating for scar residuals, facial burns and shrapnel wounds prior to December 7, 2018 due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for traumatic heart disease, residuals of lung injury, and superficial scars due to unclear withdrawal intentions from the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee scars, degenerative arthritis, and instability due to unclear findings regarding her service-connected conditions and inadequate examination reports.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn and the Board has dismissed them due to his satisfaction with the most recent decision.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including increased ratings for various conditions and a TDIU determination. The VA is instructed to obtain SSA records and readjudicate these matters.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's scars, effective August 27, 2015. The scars are painful and unstable.

The Board has remanded the claims for obesity, sleep apnea, chronic heart failure, hypertension, and a scar on the upper left side of chest due to their potential secondary nature to service-connected disabilities. The right ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, and COPD ratings are also being remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues involving the service-connected conditions and evaluations, resulting in their dismissal.