Scars Board decisions

The claims for right ear hearing loss, bilateral eye disability, BLE arthritis, gout, diabetes mellitus, left ear hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, surgical scar, tinnitus, hypertension, and lumbar spine disability have been dismissed due to the lack of an adequate substantive appeal.,The claim for liver disability has also been dismissed as there was no adequate substantive appeal.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's combined rating did not meet the percentage standards set forth in § 4.16(a), but his case may be considered under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) for an extra-schedular TDIU.

The Veteran's left ankle disability, including the residual scar, is rated at 20 percent. The extension of a temporary total evaluation beyond July 1, 2014 and March 1, 2018 for her service-connected left ankle condition requiring convalescence are granted. A TDIU effective June 1, 2019 is also granted.

The Veteran withdrew all appeals for increased ratings and service connection, effectively dismissing the cases.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee osteoarthritis and an initial compensable rating for service-connected left knee scars.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability has been denied as there is no evidence of current hearing loss that meets VA criteria.,Service connection for sleep deprivation was also denied due to lack of a diagnosed condition and functional impairment.

The Board denied an initial compensable rating for the Veteran's right wrist and hand residual scars, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of evidence showing the presence of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes. The Veteran's claims for right hip disability, right ankle condition, bronchitis, skin disfigurement due to surgical scars, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including affective disorder, anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder) are remanded as there is insufficient evidence on file.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold requirements for vocational rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31 of the VA regulations, as she is currently employed and does not have an employment handicap.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gum disability and remanded the issue of an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to service.

The Veteran's TBI, headaches, intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine, right knee strain, tinnitus, left wrist sprain, right wrist sprain, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity have led to a TDIU being granted. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities significantly impair his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeals for an initial compensable rating for left index finger laceration with scar and an effective date earlier than February 20, 2013 for the grant of service connection for left index finger laceration with scar have been withdrawn.,The Board has remanded cases involving entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, a rating in excess of 10 percent for DDD L5-S1, and a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to September 1, 2018, and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter for GERD.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and her residuals of a fracture of the left fifth toe rating is remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records, a new VA eye examination, and consideration of the TDIU claim.

The Board has granted a TDIU rating for the entire appeal period. The case is remanded for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal includes issues related to lung cancer, neurobehavioral effects from Camp Lejeune exposure, a scar status post left kidney removal, and major depression. The Board has remanded several of these issues for further development.,An effective date prior to June 29, 2009 is granted for the increased rating of 50 percent for major depression.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right foot surgery scar and temporary total disability (TTD) due to convalescence status post right foot bunion surgery and screw replacement, as these issues are inextricably intertwined with the claim for service connection for left foot and right foot hallux valgus.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for punji stick wound, with associated scar, of the right calf muscle has been withdrawn. The Board has granted service connection for hypertension due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and initial compensable evaluation due to insufficient evidence from a previous VA examination. The Veteran needs to undergo new examinations to determine the current severity of his lumbar spine disability and residual scar.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance (A&A) or being housebound (HB).