Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's right inguinal herniorrhaphy scar is productive of pain and warrants a 10 percent disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected residual scars from lacerations of his fingers. The case will be returned for further development and readjudication.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a retrospective medical opinion regarding his right ankle disability. The issues of entitlement to an increased evaluation for service-connected residuals of a right ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease and scars, status post ankle fusion surgery, and entitlement to a total evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) prior to March 15, 2014, are now before the AOJ for further consideration.

The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD, effective July 19, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected scars were denied throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal for increased SMC based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance was denied as there is no need for personal health-care services provided on a daily basis in his home by a licensed professional.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has made it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and updated treatment records.,The Board is requesting that the Veteran be scheduled for updated VA examinations to determine the current severity of his musculoskeletal, bowel, and bladder symptomatology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, was granted. The issue of secondary service connection for a skin disability is being remanded.,The Veteran contends that his current skin condition had its onset in service and is aggravated by his service-connected depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating and effective date for various skin conditions, including scalp folliculitis with keloid formation, all scars from head to toe, all linear scars from head to toe, and scars of the anterior trunk region following cholecystectomy.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected linear and deep scar, circular scar, left knee limitation of motion, and left knee instability were dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims at an October 2018 hearing.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development, including an examination to determine if the Veteran needs aid and attendance or is housebound based on his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected left knee scar as secondary to the service-connected disability of residuals of left medial meniscectomy with arthritis has been denied. The Board also remanded other issues related to his knee disabilities, including evaluation of left knee limitation of extension and instability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective date were granted, but the effective dates are limited to October 23, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected scars are being remanded for further evaluation due to recent testimony indicating possible worsening of symptoms and the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Board has granted TDIU since October 4, 2016. The case is remanded for consideration of the claim prior to that date under extraschedular criteria.

The Board has dismissed all the issues of increased ratings and initial compensable ratings for various foot, knee, and sinus conditions due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for his left knee scar was denied. The Board found no evidence to support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.,Service connection for right and left knee disabilities were both denied as there is no evidence of chronicity or causation in service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to additional development being necessary, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding acquired heart disabilities and surgical scars.

The Board dismissed all appeals for rating increases and earlier effective dates related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions.