Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for right leg cellulitis and painful scar associated with coronary artery disease status/post bypass graft are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Board has dismissed the claims for a higher rating for inactive pulmonary tuberculosis with pleural scarring and restrictive lung disease, as well as the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The appeal is dismissed because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected left eye disability, including a central macular scar and mild hypertensive retinopathy, needs further evaluation due to incomplete medical records. The case is remanded for additional examination and review of relevant private treatment records.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of February 1, 2013 for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate due to his service-connected disabilities and TDIU status.

The Veteran's diabetes was granted service connection and an initial rating of 20 percent for a right ring finger scar. The Veteran's PTSD with depression and TBI is granted an initial rating of 70 percent prior to April 8, 2015, but denied any increase in rating after that date.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's initial claims for increased disability evaluations have been denied. The Board has remanded several issues, including the evaluation of scars and a fracture to the right forearm.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to December 30, 2019, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus is denied as there are no manifestations not contemplated by the current 10% rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings for various conditions, including PTSD and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's SMC at the housebound rate should be restored due to a lack of proper coding in his previous rating decision. However, the claim is being remanded for further development as it also involves defective vision and whether the Veteran is substantially confined to his dwelling and immediate premises.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, obstructive sleep apnea, hernia inguinal as secondary to external hemorrhoids with pruritus ani, and chronic sinusitis are being remanded.,Special monthly compensation based on loss of use is granted effective October 7, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case for further evidentiary development and adjudication due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's service-connected peritoneal adhesions with scar of the right rectus.

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

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The compensable rating for the surgical scar status/post CABG surgery was not granted, while the diabetes mellitus (DM) and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (PN) were rated at 20 percent.,Effective dates prior to March 7, 2012, for service connection of diabetic PN RLE and LLE were denied.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for a left nasal bridge scar, finding that it did not result from an injury during a motor vehicle accident in service and is not otherwise causally related to service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for a withdrawal of the appeal. The Board dismissed the case as there are no allegations of errors in the determination.

The Veteran's left shoulder scar had its onset during his active service and is granted. The Veteran's left shoulder disability other than the scar, which he contends was aggravated by a fall due to his right knee condition, did not have its onset during service or is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hysterectomy with scars and urinary incontinence, finding no evidence linking these conditions to her military service or a service-connected disability.,The claim for secondary service connection for alcohol use disorder as PTSD secondary was remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.