Scars Board decisions

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for Raynaud's syndrome, lumbar spine disability, right hip disability, and left hip disability due to insufficient development.,Service connection was denied for Raynaud's syndrome as there is no current diagnosis or functional impairment attributable to pain in both hands at any time since separation from service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, right ear hearing loss, and service connection due to lack of current diagnoses or evidence supporting a positive nexus. The Veteran will need to undergo additional examinations to determine his current conditions and their etiology.

The Board has remanded the cases of a rating in excess of 20 percent for the residuals of a fracture of the left patella and total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's claim for eligibility for specially adapted housing and financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or for adaptive equipment only is granted. The claim for a special home adaptation grant is dismissed due to the addition of new VA treatment records since the last SSOC was issued in April 2020.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective September 4, 2014. A total disability rating due to individual unemployability is also granted from September 4, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaption grant due to his inability to demonstrate permanent and total disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an anthrax scar, finding that he only has one scar associated with his smallpox vaccination and not a separate scar from his anthrax vaccination.

The Veteran's IHD, cervical spine degenerative arthritis and associated neck scars, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU were granted effective January 27, 2017.,SMC at the housebound rate was not granted due to lack of additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for swelling and blisters of her left and right feet, as well as a compensable rating for her laparotomy scar. The evidence did not support finding that these conditions began during active service or were related to an in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations and evaluations to determine appropriate ratings for service-connected coccidioidomycosis and scarring due to right latissimus dorsi fibrosarcoma.

The Veteran's laceration scar of the left arm and forearm has been rated at 20 percent since January 28, 2011.,On or after July 24, 2020, a rating in excess of 20 percent for this condition is denied.

All appeals for increased ratings and initial compensable ratings have been withdrawn by the Veteran.,The Veteran has also withdrawn all appeals regarding effective date determinations.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for right ankle degenerative joint disease and surgical scars prior to October 15, 2019, as well as his TBI with posttraumatic headaches, scalp scar, and photophobia, was dismissed. The Veteran is granted an initial 10 percent rating for his TBI.

The Veteran's right long finger disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board has remanded this issue for further development.,The Veteran's scar of the right hand is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board has also remanded this issue for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for service-connected residuals of left parotidectomy, including a scar of the left mandible, has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development due to issues regarding service connection and increased rating of her right wrist disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The August 1968 rating decision for the laceration scar with residual flexion deformity of the right little finger, external otitis, and anxiety reaction is granted as CUE. The July 1973 reduction in disability rating for the right hand and forearm condition is also granted as CUE.

The Veteran's initial rating for left Achilles tendon rupture from August 8, 2007 to March 6, 2017 is denied. The case is remanded for further evaluation of the left foot surgical scar and left ankle limitation of motion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance of another person due to the functional limitations, including inability to prepare meals, manage finances, and perform necessary hygiene tasks.

The Board denied service connection for pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma due to exposure to ionizing radiation, bilateral hip bursitis as secondary to pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma, and residual, deep, nonlinear scar, status post pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma surgery.