Scars Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being added to the record since the last SSOC, and the Veteran has not waived AOJ review of this evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for osteoarthritis of the left hand with post-traumatic changes, specifically his little finger, was denied. The claim for an increased rating for a scar on the left little finger was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for recurring basal cell carcinoma and multiple melanomas with scarring, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service exposure. The decision is based on medical opinions supporting a link between the Veteran's current skin disorders and his Vietnam service.

The Board has dismissed the claim for special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria beyond the period from September 29, 2015, to January 1, 2016. The remaining issues have been remanded and will be addressed in a future decision.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal due to his death, as appeals do not survive their appellants' deaths.

The Veteran's claims for knee disabilities and PTSD are remanded to allow for a complete record to be reviewed, including a new examination for the knees. The psychiatric claim is also remanded as there is no current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for shin splints, left shoulder tendonitis, left elbow DJD with scar, right hip bursitis with snapping syndrome, and right hip limitation of flexion are all remanded due to insufficient evidence or need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to June 12, 2014 was denied as he did not meet the criteria of being precluded from obtaining and maintaining any form of gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his low back disability and right knee degenerative joint disease, have significantly impaired him from obtaining and maintaining any form of gainful employment consistent with his prior education and experience. The Board has determined that a TDIU is warranted for the period from November 23, 2004 to March 6, 2008.

The Veteran's initial rating for scars of the left lower extremity is granted at a 10 percent level. The Veteran's left leg tibia fracture and traumatic brain injury claims are remanded due to need for additional development.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for a scar, residual of gunshot wound of the left thigh prior to February 9, 2021, and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a muscle group XIV injury, residual of gunshot wound of the left thigh are both remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board denied service connection for acne with associated scars as the Veteran's pre-existing condition did not permanently worsen during her military service.

The Veteran's right foot surgical scar is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's initial claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected left arm scars was denied. However, the Board granted an initial 20 percent rating from April 13, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected appendectomy scars are rated at a 20 percent disability rating beginning August 8, 2016. A separate compensable rating under DC 7802 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for headaches, hypertension, and increased rating for comminuted open fracture of the left tibia are being remanded.,An earlier effective date is granted for service connection of superficial and nonlinear scar, right upper extremity, and painful scars, right upper extremity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral ankle arthritis, low back strain, right bicep injury, and right foot scar, precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to October 18, 2011.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was remanded by the Board in November 2020. Since then, he has been granted service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral and sciatic nerves and a scar of the right knee. The issue must be readjudicated considering all his service-connected disabilities.