Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been remanded due to the need for further development. The issues of service connection remain unresolved.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, IHD, right ankle injury residuals, DMII, CTS, and a noncompensable wrist scar, have precluded him from securing or following substantial gainful employment since January 1, 2011. A TDIU is granted effective from that date.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain and review inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room treatment records from Fort Eustis for the Veteran's period of service between December 1990 and July 1991. The claim will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history, warranting a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete VA examinations, specifically regarding the severity of his keloid formations from March 21, 2007, to November 1, 2014.

The Veteran's left great toe disability was granted a maximum rating of 30 percent, effective September 20, 2006. The right knee and left knee disabilities were remanded for further development. A TDIU was granted beginning October 25, 2007. SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance was granted starting December 8, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him bedridden, confined to his immediate premises, or unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. Therefore, he is not eligible for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status and the need for aid and attendance was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either SMC based on disability ratings or factual basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including an earlier effective date for scars status post surgery for lung cancer and reopening of prostate disorder and bladder disorder claims. The remaining appeals are also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, scars status-post heart surgery, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have all been denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam or any other area where herbicide exposure was presumed, and there is no evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residual scars of the right and left breasts were denied as they did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under VA regulations.

The Board has denied an increased rating for post-operative residuals of left foot third metatarsal osteotomy and a compensable disability rating for bilateral foot scars. The TDIU claim is remanded due to the proposed reductions in other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected left knee disability is remanded due to the failure to reschedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC at the housebound rate is denied as he does not meet the criteria for a single service-connected disability rated as total and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and various knee and foot conditions, effectively preclude him from all forms of substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU have been met due to the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, skin condition (including scars), and headache condition due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as he can still secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation with his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for initial ratings in excess of 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea with restless leg syndrome and an initial noncompensable rating for allergic rhinitis have been dismissed.,The Veteran has been granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.