Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's right eye disability, including herpes ulcer and resultant corneal scarring and transplant, is granted as service-connected due to aggravation during active duty.,The Veteran's left eye disability is denied as not incurred or aggravated by active duty.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for fibromyalgia, tinnitus, and bronchitis. The Veteran was granted service connection for migraines with a 40 percent rating, but no higher. Her scar left knee associated with tricompartmental chondromalacia status post meniscus surgery received a noncompensable rating. The Board also remanded several issues including the initial compensable rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since May 8, 2017. A TDIU is granted effective from that date. The right knee disability and OSA are both remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to appear for scheduled VA examinations.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to appear for scheduled VA examinations.

A rating of 20 percent for service-connected scars of the left lower extremity status post vein stripping is granted.,An initial compensable rating for service-connected scars of the left lower extremity surgery status post vein stripping under Diagnostic Code 7805 is denied.,Total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected scars of the left lower extremity status post vein stripping (TDIU) on a schedular basis is denied.,An effective date earlier than July 31, 2018, for grant of service connection for scars of the left lower extremity surgery status post vein stripping is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to address her right foot disability, including surgical scars and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for her neck disability and TDIU are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for head injury and left eye scars due to conflicting evidence and need for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and disfiguring facial scar have prevented him from obtaining substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with alcohol use disorder, prostate cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, erectile dysfunction associated with prostate cancer, and scar associated with prostate cancer, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. As a result, the Board has granted his claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and evaluation due to new allegations of worsening symptoms by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right shoulder, sinus, and skin disabilities due to conflicting evidence in the record. Additional examinations are needed to determine the nature and cause of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee scar, an evaluation of 30 percent for vertigo, and an evaluation of 20 percent for two scars on the left knee and a scar on right ankle are all granted. The remaining issues remain pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from sedentary employment, and the Board finds that he is not unemployable solely due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted. Service connection is also granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The issues of new and material evidence for hearing loss, back condition, bilateral knee condition, head trauma and scarring, and vision problem are remanded.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a renal cyst, asthma, left shoulder degenerative arthritis, spondylosis of the lumbar spine, and cervical spondylosis is remanded due to insufficient development. The Veteran will need updated VA treatment records, an opinion on whether her current asthma is related to service, and examinations for her left shoulder, cervical, and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has precluded him from securing and following any substantially gainful occupation since January 22, 2015. The Board granted a TDIU based on the PTSD disability. Additionally, the Veteran is entitled to SMC at the housebound rate due to his combined 100 percent schedular rating for service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent disability evaluation, and his scars are each granted a 10 percent disability evaluation. The application to reopen claims for service connection for various joints and hips is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, low back pain, and a residual scar on the head have been reopened. The appeals are granted to this extent only.

The Veteran's claim for right carpal tunnel was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted.,The Veteran's claim for hearing loss, right ear was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted.,Service connection for hearing loss, right ear is denied as there is no current diagnosis meeting VA standards.,Service connection for surgical scars, bilateral shoulders is denied as they do not meet disabling effects under applicable diagnostic codes.