Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple disabilities, including head injuries and knee issues. The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly assess the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the spine and right shoulder impingement syndrome, bicipital tendonitis, and arthritis. The Veteran's chronic pain syndrome is also considered to be related to service.,Service connection was denied for lupus panniculitis, sensitivity to cold, head scar, and two right shoulder scars.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and disability ratings for his back disorder, surgical scars of the left knee, left total knee replacement, and left knee instability due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's hernia and scar conditions have not been evaluated since his last VA examination in September 2018. A new examination is needed to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) and spinal stenosis, have rendered him unable to meet most of his daily personal needs without regular aid and attendance from another individual. The Board granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to the Veteran's physical limitations.

The Veteran's anemia is rated as noncompensable, and the right and left ankle disabilities are each rated at 10 percent. The scars are rated at 10 percent. The left knee and right knee arthropathies are both rated at 10 percent. The left shoulder and right shoulder rotator tendinopathies are each rated at 20 percent.,The Veteran's anemia is not compensable, as her hemoglobin levels have been above the threshold for a compensable rating.

The Board found that the grant of service connection for pulmonary nodules of the right lung and left lung base scarring was clearly erroneous due to lack of presumptive conditions. The Veteran's liver disease and diabetes mellitus were not linked to his service, including exposure to environmental toxins during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation from June 30, 2011, to December 29, 2011.,Since December 30, 2011, the Veteran has been in receipt of a 100 percent schedular evaluation for service-connected PTSD and is now receiving SMC based on the need for aid and assistance.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and evaluation of the Veteran's low back disorder due to reported worsening symptoms. The other issues related to skin cancer and left leg scars have been denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining records from the Social Security Administration.

The Veteran's appeal of the increased rating claim for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed.,The Veteran's increased ratings for residuals of prostate cancer from May 1, 2015 to November 25, 2019 are denied. A 60 percent rating was granted after that date.,A 20 percent rating for prostate surgery scars and a 20 percent rating for erectile dysfunction with a deformed penis are granted.,The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer require absorbent materials to be changed more than four times per day, but not an appliance. The Veteran has three painful prostate surgery scars that do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7804 or 7801.,The Veteran’s erectile dysfunction with a deformed penis meets the criteria for a 20 percent rating.

The Board has dismissed appeals regarding PTSD, acne with facial scarring, and painful scars of the face. The lung disorder appeal is remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU prior to February 24, 2014, or due solely to a single service-connected disability from February 24, 2014, to January 9, 2017, and after March 1, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids and right lower extremity burn scar, as well as his claim of service connection for flat feet. The VA will schedule examinations to determine the current severity of these conditions and obtain a medical opinion regarding the flat feet claim.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for vitiligo, sleep apnea, hypertension, bilateral plantar fasciitis, TMJ syndrome, right forearm laceration scar, Bechet's disease with intermittent flares of iritis, acne, mouth ulcers, and joint pain are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,The Veteran's initial evaluations for left ring finger fracture and left little finger fracture are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a left knee disorder, as it is unclear whether the Veteran's current condition is related to his service-connected hip disorder. The case will be sent back for an addendum opinion from a VA clinician.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including verifying her periods of active duty service and obtaining updated treatment records. The Veteran will need to provide more specific information about when she sustained a head injury resulting in a left forehead scar during Reserve service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, and his claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Board has determined that the reduction in rating for eczema from 30 percent to noncompensable was improper and has ordered restoration of the prior 30 percent rating. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his scar and eczema are remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records.