Scars Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for a TBI and head scar, right orbit, to ensure compliance with the August 2019 remand directive. The AOJ must obtain an adequate VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed TBI and head scar.

The Veteran's service-connected skin conditions do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, considering his education and experience.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral exercise-induced compartment syndrome status post five compartment fasciotomies with residual scars is denied prior to November 8, 2013. As of November 8, 2013, a staged 10 percent rating is granted.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's right thigh scar, headaches, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and neck disability have been granted increased ratings. The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy and peripheral vestibular disease remain denied. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has also been remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment as of December 1, 2018.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including gunshot wound residuals and scars, hip pain and numbness, knee pain, PTSD, and skin rashes due to herbicide exposure. The appeals are granted.

The Veteran's ratings for residuals of a colostomy and laparotomy involving muscle groups XIX were restored, effective September 1, 2021. The tender scar rating was also restored to 10 percent effective the same date.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate examinations and incomplete information. The Veteran's claims of higher disability ratings for his service-connected conditions are now pending.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of right knee and left knee disabilities, as well as his claim for a left foot injury. The Veteran's initial compensable rating for left elbow scar is granted, but he remains denied for right thumb/hand scars and right axillary scar.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a cervical-thoracic spine condition, right and left ankle conditions, traumatic brain injury, and headaches. The Board found that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for residuals of lung cancer, including scars and a left upper lobectomy, is being remanded due to worsening symptoms. The case also includes an issue regarding service connection for a rib fracture.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been reopened and granted. The effective date of service connection for TBI prior to April 27, 2017 is denied. The effective date of service connection for a scar, residual of TBI, prior to April 27, 2017 is also denied. The Veteran's initial rating in excess of 10 percent for TBI and an initial compensable rating for the scar, residual of TBI, are remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The issue of service connection for burn scars is being remanded.

The Veteran is granted TDIU based on service-connected disabilities from October 19, 2006 and TDIU based on depressive disorder alone from October 25, 2019.,Effective October 25, 2019, the Veteran also receives SMC at the housebound rate due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinusitis with headaches, PUD, appendectomy scar, frostbite residuals of the right foot, and PN of the bilateral feet has been reopened. Effective May 13, 2010, service connection was granted for left foot PN. An effective date prior to April 18, 2011, is denied for all other issues.,Right foot conditions, including hallux valgus and plantar fibroma status post fascial injury, are remanded for clarification of their etiology.

The Board dismissed the appeals for hypertension and scar on nose, status post chip nasal fracture due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's left and right thumb scars, as well as his TBI residuals, have been granted a disability rating of 10 percent each. The appeal for increased ratings is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a laceration scar on the left lower leg below the knee and remanded the issue of service connection for a left knee disability.

The Veteran's ED, painful inguinal hernia scar, bilateral hearing loss, right inguinal hernia repair, and umbilical hernia are all granted service connection. A separate 10 percent rating is granted for the painful inguinal hernia surgical scar.