Scars Board decisions

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's foot conditions, including left foot hallux valgus and painful scars of his great toes. The remand requests additional development such as obtaining updated VA treatment records and a specific opinion regarding nerve damage in the left foot.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding whether the Veteran's vision problems are aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The VA examiner is requested to provide an opinion on this issue.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, including lunate and navicular chondromalacia, synovitis, and scars, status post arthroscopy, is being remanded for further development to consider an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to October 27, 2019 as his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected hiatal hernia with GERD, scars of the posterior and anterior trunk, and surgical scar due to diaphragmatic hernia repair and thoracotomy are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's left thumb disability and residual scars of the left thumb and wrist have been granted increased ratings, with effective dates prior to November 28, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates pertaining to the awards of service connection for PTSD and ischemic heart disease are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum to a VA examiner's opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral eye disability and service connection for a dental disability. The issues of service connection are not related to exposure to specific bases such as burn pits or Agent Orange.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment, so he is not entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for left wrist disability and left wrist scar have been denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions warranting higher ratings, and the current ratings are considered appropriate based on the severity of symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim for referral to the Director of Compensation Services for consideration of entitlement to TDIU on an extraschedular basis, as his service-connected disabilities preclude him from participating in gainful employment. The April 2018 remand directives have not been substantially complied with.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the right index finger is granted at a 10 percent rating. The extraschedular evaluation for this condition is denied. An initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residual scarring of the right index finger is also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and requests for further information from the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to conflicting opinions and a need for further development. The neurological impairment of the bilateral upper extremities is being reviewed again, as it could impact the scars/tightness claim.

The Veteran's left knee scar was granted a 10 percent rating prior to April 6, 2018 and denied any increase in rating thereafter. A 60 percent rating for total left knee replacement is granted.,Tinea versicolor is rated at 30 percent due to affecting more than 40 percent of the body or exposed areas. The Veteran's tinea versicolor condition is remanded as it may affect greater than 40 percent of his body and exposed areas throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected Hashimoto's thyroiditis is granted a 60 percent rating, effective September 7, 2011. She also receives TDIU benefits.

The Veteran's lumbar spine fusion, DDD and DJD is rated at 40 percent effective July 17, 2013.,Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (LLE) prior to March 2, 2020, is rated at 20 percent effective July 17, 2013.,The Veteran's scar of the lumbar spine is not compensable.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for insomnia, chronic fatigue, premature menopause, ovarian cysts, and miscarriages as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected pes planus and HIV infection, as well as the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to his service-connected disabilities, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected left-sided paresthesia and painful scar, as well as his claim for a TDIU due to these disabilities. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected conditions.