Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's lung cancer residuals and related respiratory issues are rated at 30 percent prior to December 18, 2015. The Board has remanded for further evaluation of the Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and polycythemia vera.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left eye and left groin disabilities due to incomplete rating codesheets. The issues have been restated accordingly.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his left index finger, long finger, ring finger, and little finger impairments as well as a compensable rating for his left hand scar. The appeal was based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's vision disability, claimed as secondary to stroke, was denied due to the absence of a recognized eye condition.,Service connection for insomnia, claimed as due to an undiagnosed illness, was denied because it is considered a symptom of PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD, nonpenetrating muscle injury of the chest due to a GSW, and left chest scar due to a GSW are all granted. The initial rating for PTSD is set at 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is remanded as the evidence does not include sufficient information to determine whether he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected mitral valve replacement with residual scar and obstructive sleep apnea are not granted increased ratings or service connection, respectively.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an extraschedular TDIU prior to July 28, 2014 due to his service-connected disabilities not meeting the schedular criteria. From July 28, 2014, the Board granted a TDIU based on the evidence showing that the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the current disability ratings are already at their maximum levels under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as of January 22, 2008. The effective date for the award of Total Disability Evaluation Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is set at January 22, 2008.

The Board denied service connection for a cardiovascular condition, post-aortobifemoral bypass surgery scar, and numbness of the left medial thigh (claimed as a residual of cardiovascular surgery) due to lack of causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied entitlement to an effective date prior to May 26, 2010 for the grants of service connection for residuals of TBI with depression, right knee replacement, left knee sprain with instability, right knee scar and left knee sprain with limitation of flexion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient development of records and unavailability of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of a 60 percent disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae with scar is granted. The Board finds that his condition had increased in severity prior to May 9, 2016 and thus grants the earlier effective date of July 22, 2015.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is remanded due to uncertainty about his exposure to Agent Orange while on the U.S.S. Tolovana.,The Veteran's tumor, left side of head, is remanded as there is a dispute over whether he was exposed to herbicide agents during service.,The Veteran's hearing loss, left ear, and burn scar right hand and wrist are also remanded due to the need for further evidence and clarification.,Service connection for these conditions will be remanded until more information about exposure to Agent Orange is obtained.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for small bowel resection with residual scar is granted. The appeal to reopen the claim for a recurrent gastro-intestinal condition is remanded.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran is also granted special monthly compensation at the housebound rate because he requires assistance with activities of daily living and cannot leave his home unattended.

The Veteran's pelvic adhesions and scar, residual of laparoscopy, are currently rated as noncompensably disabling. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for either condition.,The Veteran contends she should be granted a compensable disability rating for her scar, residual of laparoscopy. However, the November 2019 VA examination did not adequately address whether the Veteran's scars are painful or unstable.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to inadequate development. The VA must obtain updated treatment records, conduct examinations of the Veteran’s disabilities, and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's right-sided facial scars are remanded for a VA examination to determine their etiology.