Scars Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left eye injury, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury to the left eye and that any current eye disorders are not related to service.

The Veteran's thyroid disability, which preexisted his third period of service from 2005-2006, is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it was permanently aggravated during this time.,The Veteran's abdominal scar, post hernia repair, is also being remanded for a VA examination to determine if an increased rating is warranted.

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

The Board has remanded the claim for further development due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the Veteran's scarring and associated muscle and nerve impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty in the effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his need for regular aid and attendance. A new medical opinion is required.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to insufficient evidence, including a need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent from March 1, 2020. The Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted for the period prior to January 2, 2019 due to lack of more than slight instability and limitation of extension. For the period after March 1, 2020, the Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 30 percent under DC 5055.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an incomplete VA eye examination, requiring additional development and a new opinion regarding the Veteran's visual field defects.

The Veteran's appeal for initial compensable ratings for a right inguinal hernia and a right inguinal hernia scar was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected residual scar from his laceration to the base of his right fifth finger is not characterized by pain or instability. The Veteran has been granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, but left ear hearing loss was not diagnosed for VA benefits purposes. Service connection for both conditions remains pending.

An effective date of August 31, 2004, but not earlier, for the grant of service connection for lumbosacral strain is granted. A 30 percent rating for bilateral knee postoperative scars beginning October 28, 2013, but not prior, is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and scars behind both ears were denied. The criteria for higher ratings were not met based on the provided evidence.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his scars on the right lower extremity was denied. The highest rating of 30 percent has been assigned, which is the maximum allowed under DC 7804.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right ear basal cell carcinoma, a skin condition on the back (including chloracne and scar residuals), and an increased rating for ischemic heart disease. The Veteran's exposure to toxic herbicide agents in service is presumed.

The Veteran's right knee scars are rated at a 10 percent effective April 28, 2014. The scars do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they are not deep or nonlinear and do not cause any functional limitations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's increased rating claims for bilateral knee disabilities and a scar of the left knee due to insufficient consideration of ankylosis of the knees, as well as inextricably intertwined issues.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral arm deformity, neck disability, and bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence showing a current disability during the pendency of the claim.,For left little finger, disjointed with scar, the Veteran's claim is remanded as there was no VA examination provided.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted from October 18, 2008 through November 17, 2011 due to his service-connected disabilities making it impossible for him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The decision is based on the severity of his back strain and depression.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right shoulder conditions have been denied as the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back disability, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from August 1, 2009 to August 19, 2010.