Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his left wrist and left wrist scar disabilities have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable disability rating for residuals of a left wrist surgical scar, hypertension, lumbar spine disability, and left knee disability have been remanded.

The Veteran's burn scars on the right wrist and hand are granted a 10% disability rating prior to February 8, 2021. A separate 10% rating is also granted for his burn scar of the right wrist effective from February 8, 2021. His burn scar of the right hand remains at a non-compensable rating.

The Veteran is currently in receipt of a 10 percent rating for urethritis, but the Board finds that he does not have any current symptoms of voiding dysfunction related to his service-connected urethritis. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction has been diagnosed and may be secondary to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran was previously gainfully employed prior to February 1, 2019, and is therefore not entitled to a TDIU for that period.

The Veteran's appeal of the initial rating assigned for his service-connected scar is granted with a 10 percent rating, but no higher. The issues of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for TBI and special monthly compensation based on housebound status or the need of regular aid and attendance are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knees and right knee scars due to outstanding VA treatment records and SSA disability benefit records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, anxiety, and various musculoskeletal conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since January 8, 2010. The Board has granted the TDIU from that date.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's left hand palm scar and right thumb arthritis are both at issue.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for right knee replacement, left knee scar, and right knee scar due to insufficient evidence from the last VA examination conducted more than six years ago.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating was reasonably construed as including claims for service connection of multiple conditions. The effective date for the TDIU rating is set at November 4, 2011.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for right and left knee disabilities, diabetes mellitus (DM), and ischemic heart disease (IHD) due to chemical exposure. The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40%.

Service connection and a rating for minimal scarring of the right shoulder associated with a shell fragment wound are granted. A rating greater than 10 percent for neuralgia of the maxillary branch right trigeminal nerve is denied, and a rating greater than 30 percent for Muscle Group I injury of the right shoulder is also denied.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for left lower extremity scar prior to August 6, 2018 is denied. A 10 percent rating between August 6, 2018 and July 12, 2020 is granted for the left lower extremity scar. The Veteran's request for a rating in excess of 10 percent from August 6, 2018 is denied. The Veteran's initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his left hand scar and left upper extremity scars are remanded.

The Veteran's scarring alopecia is rated at a 20 percent rating effective December 2, 2014. The Board found that the evidence showed more than 40 percent of her scalp was affected by scarring alopecia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right eye disability is related to service, but remanded for further clarification on whether the conditions are congenital defects or diseases and consideration of relevant evidence not previously considered.

The Veteran's left hand scar is rated at 10 percent and denied an increased rating.,The Veteran's residuals of left-hand injury, status post surgical repair, extensor tendons are currently rated at 10 percent and denied an increased rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold requirement for entitlement to VR&E benefits as he does not have an employment handicap and is capable of finding gainful employment in his field of nursing.

The Board dismissed the appeals for tinnitus, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and scar status-post removal of sebaceous cyst as the Veteran withdrew these claims. The hearing loss disability was denied due to lack of in-service onset or continuity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and maintaining gainful employment since March 9, 2012. The Board finds that the evidence shows his PTSD symptoms have worsened over time, making it difficult for him to work in an environment with others.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve were denied, with a remand ordered.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for post-traumatic scar was also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, except for the grant of a 10% rating for right knee osteoarthritis. Other conditions and issues remained denied.