Scars Board decisions

The Board has granted a TDIU effective May 31, 2017, finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following gainful employment.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for his right knee disability is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. His initial compensable evaluation for right shoulder tendonitis prior to January 16, 2013 and subsequent evaluations in excess of 10 percent since that date are also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his left shoulder disability is denied, but he is granted a compensable rating for scars on the left shoulder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of sleep apnea has been reopened, and he is granted an initial 70 percent rating for PTSD. The AOJ improperly combined his scar and laceration disabilities, reducing the 20 percent rating to 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since October 18, 1994. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU based on the combined rating of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various right-hand disabilities due to a lack of VA examinations. The Veteran was not given sufficient time to attend the scheduled examinations, and his service-connected conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed because they passed away, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate their claims.

The Veteran's initial and increased rating claims for his service-connected scar, status post right lower lobectomy, are granted. The issue of entitlement to an increased rating for a respiratory disorder is remanded due to incomplete testing. The issue of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to errors in the May 2018 decision, including failing to seek clarification from the examiner regarding the May 2012 VA examination report.

The Veteran's left knee disorder was initially rated at 20 percent prior to November 28, 2016 and then increased to 30 percent from January 1, 2018. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect his symptoms.,For a scar of the left knee, no compensable rating was assigned as there is no tenderness, pain, or limitation of function.

The Veteran's SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1) is granted with an effective date of February 15, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss due to in-service noise exposure. The claims for increased ratings for left index finger laceration and scar residuals remain pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left knee disability, right knee scar, right knee instability, and lumbar strain, prevented him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment prior to February 9, 2004. The Board granted the claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to that date.

The Board dismissed the claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder and left knee scars because the Veteran did not file a substantive appeal after receiving an SOC.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his scar was denied. The claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and low back disability were granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to June 18, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for a hysterectomy and remanded the issue of service connection for bowel obstruction scarring.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial compensable rating for his service-connected right hand disabilities due to inadequate VA examination findings. The Veteran is also required to provide updated treatment records, complete a VA Form 21-8940, and undergo a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left inguinal hernia scar was denied. The Board also remanded the issue of TDIU prior to July 2, 2018 due to incomplete development.

The Veteran is entitled to an earlier effective date of April 14, 2008 for a TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities and inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.