Scars Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical degenerative joint disease, thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease with compression fracture of T8, left foot scar, right shoulder strain with acromioclavicular joint separation, and left foot status-post tendon rupture with repair with degenerative joint disease of the calcaneus. The remand requires additional medical opinions to address the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet schedular requirements for a higher rating, except for his painful midback scar which was granted a 10% rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities because his employment status did not meet the criteria for TDIU, as he was found to be employed and capable of substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for the left inguinal nerve injury and residual scar, status post left inguinal hernia repair is denied. However, a 10 percent rating is granted for ilio-inguinal neuropathy throughout the period on appeal. The spine claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected Granulomatous hepatitis consistent with sarcoidosis and Scar, right lateral flank associated with granulomatous hepatitis consistent with sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated at 0 percent, the lowest possible rating. The Veteran's tinnitus has also been rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating.,Service connection for right hip scars was granted effective October 19, 2011, but the Veteran contends he should have received an earlier effective date.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability and denied initial compensable ratings for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) and facial scars associated with PFB.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for facial scars associated with PFB is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent and he has been granted TDIU. The issue of a higher rating for PTSD was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's eyebrow scar, left cheek blood spot, and nose scar are related to his service-connected left leg atrophy and gait disturbance. However, due to incomplete records and need for a proper examination considering secondary service connection theories, the case is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for initial compensable ratings for cervical spine degenerative arthritis, tension headaches, bilateral shoulder and bilateral knee scars due to procedural issues with representation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further action on several issues, including service connection claims and evaluations of various conditions. The July 2003 rating decision denying service connection for residuals of a right brachial plexus injury was not found to be clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate examination report and a need for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding functional loss due to hydrocodone use.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and chronic low back pain, have been found to meet the criteria for specially adapted housing eligibility. The claim for a special home adaptation grant is moot as he has already received eligibility for specially adapted housing. His request for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment was denied due to lack of meeting eligibility criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives regarding the need for regular aid and attendance (A&A) of another person or by reason of being housebound. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not fully evaluated in this decision.

The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his bilateral knee service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his cervical spine service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his bilateral shoulder service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his hiatal hernia/acid reflux service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his GERD service, and thus denied these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been remanded due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, as they only impacted physical acts of employment and not mental ones.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected corneal scar of the left eye status post superficial keratectomy (pterygium removal) and amniotic tissue graft was denied. The Board found that the condition does not result in more than one painful or unstable scar, nor visual impairment due to his left eye scar, disfigurement, conjunctivitis, or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has remanded the claims for a sleep disorder and TDIU due to service-connected disability because there is insufficient evidence on whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service or service-connected left foot eczema and scars.

The Veteran's neck scarring is considered a residual of in-service procedures to remove sebaceous cysts, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.