Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for his inguinal hernia repair and associated scars has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to any decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for right lower extremity surgical scars, status post total knee replacement was denied. Prior to March 25, 2019, the rating remained at 10 percent and from that date it was denied a higher rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder with anxiety is found to be the proximate cause of his current coronary artery disease (CAD). The Board has granted service connection for CAD as secondary to this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and evidence to determine appropriate disability ratings.

The Board denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to May 28, 2009 due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities not preventing him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied a higher initial compensable disability rating for the Veteran's right eye corneal scar, finding that his condition did not meet criteria for such a rating based on visual impairment or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and right foot injury, have rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment for the appeal period prior to April 22, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for the period prior to January 13, 2014.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including right shoulder and elbow disabilities, left knee and cervical spine disabilities, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The issues have been referred back to VA for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to unclear evidence regarding current disabilities and their relationship to service. The Veteran's claims for scar, TBI, neck injury, headaches, and left ear disability are currently pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. Service connection is established for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD.

The Board denied a TDIU on an extraschedular basis as the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various injuries, including bilateral eye scars, cervical spine injury, left and right knee injuries, lumbar spine injury, and right hip injury. The claims are being returned to VA for further development.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of TMJ, as well as examinations for left sided sciatica, lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, right ankle sprain with instability, sinusitis, status post lumbar spine scar, and spermatocele, status post vasectomy. The claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion on whether his obstructive sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder with depression.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and scars have been remanded due to the need for additional development of medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to increased ratings for service-connected disabilities and the TDIU issue. Additional development is needed before a final decision can be made.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's subtotal gastrectomy for duodenal ulcer disease and a noncompensable rating for his scar of the anterior abdomen, both effective from July 8, 2014.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ganglion cysts, right wrist and left wrist were denied. The Veteran was granted initial compensatory disability ratings for hypertension and cardiomyopathy, as well as an initial 20 percent rating for a left shoulder condition. Other service-connected conditions received increased or new disability ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to care for some daily personal needs and protect himself from the hazards of his daily environment without the assistance of others, warranting SMC based on the need for A&A.