Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board dismissed all the Veteran's claims due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to January 1, 2016 due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not show that his service-connected conditions precluded him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a duty to assist error, including the need for VA to obtain SSA records and private treatment records from September 2010 through June 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hip strain, but denied service connection for tinnitus, left knee PFPS, and left cheek scar. The decision is remanded for further action on the claim of service connection for a low back disorder.

The Veteran's TBI, chronic gastritis, and sacral area scar are all rated at the minimum level of disability. The Veteran's unspecified anxiety disorder is not service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including atopic dermatitis, right knee disability, sinusitis, hernia repair scars, and abdominal adhesions, have rendered him unemployable. However, the evidence is contradictory regarding his employability due to these conditions.

The Veteran was granted TDIU for the period from January 28, 2008 to October 18, 2017.,SMC is remanded as there is no effective date provided.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for her scar, service connection for pharyngitis, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability are all remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the post-operative arthroscopic left knee scar, finding that it is painful and meets the criteria under Diagnostic Code 7804. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under other applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from August 31, 2010 to May 31, 2012. The Board granted the TDIU rating for this period.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted due to his service-connected disabilities precluding substantially gainful employment.,Service connection for hearing loss is denied as the Veteran does not have a current disability in accordance with VA compensation criteria.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the July 2019 remand directives and has therefore ordered further development to verify the Veteran's periods of reserve service and service in the Air National Guard of Massachusetts, including ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA, to include February 12, 1970. The Board also ordered an addendum medical opinion from the January 2020 VA examiner or a suitable substitute regarding the relationship between any identified eye disability and exposure to ammunition, nitrates, gun powder, and/or solid propellants during service.

The Veteran's PTSD, scar, and radiculopathy conditions are not rated higher than the current assigned ratings. The effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) eligibility is granted.

The Board denied service connection for a heart condition and a left leg injury, finding no current disability related to the Veteran's claimed conditions during the appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability and denied an earlier effective date for TDIU. The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability is not related to active service or her service-connected right foot disability, and she was found employable prior to October 19, 2015.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's cervical spine, right hip, left hip and left knee disabilities for additional development. The Veteran is also entitled to a rating in excess of 20 percent for his left hip disability (limitation of abduction) from November 26, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (small cell lung cancer with asbestosis, esophageal cancer, and left neck scar) prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted service connection. An increased rating of 50 percent for chronic headache disorder is granted effective January 31, 2018. The Veteran's discoid lupus erythematosis and scarring alopecia are each granted an increased rating since specific dates. TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease and major depressive disorder, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 5, 2020. The TDIU claim is remanded due to the pending appeal for service connection of MDD.