Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial disability rating for scars of the left wrist was dismissed. The claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine conditions were granted, with the cervical spine condition receiving an initial 10% disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been granted, with a 10% rating assigned for each condition. The effective dates are not specified in the decision.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for a deviated septum and lip scar. The application to reopen the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted, and service connection is established.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for residuals of renal cell carcinoma and an initial higher than 20 percent rating for right flank abdominal hernia have been dismissed.,An initial 40 percent disability rating for right flank intercostal nerves neuropathic pain from May 12, 2010, and an initial 10 percent disability rating for right flank surgical scars from May 12, 2010, are granted.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for a posterior trunk scar was dismissed. A 40 percent disability rating for his thoracolumbar spine disability is granted, effective September 30, 2018, and TDIU is granted beginning April 16, 2003.

The Veteran's bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome, corneal guttata with corneal scar and floaters, and bilateral dry eye syndrome have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent each. The effective dates for these grants are October 1, 2011.

The Board dismissed all issues related to service connection and rating for various conditions as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was denied. The ratings for left hand weakness and residuals of left index finger amputation were also denied, but the Veteran received a 10 percent rating for his left index finger scar effective February 29, 2012. He is now receiving TDIU benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities make it impossible for him to secure and maintain gainful employment, so a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, low back disability, left ankle and knee disabilities, bilateral eye disabilities, hemorrhoids, scar, skin disability, and PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional development.,VA examinations were cancelled because the Veteran missed them. The Board finds that medical opinions are needed to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had its onset during service and the Board finds in favor of granting service connection for this condition.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to noise exposure during service. The Veteran’s claim for secondary service connection based on his service-connected generalized arthralgias is also denied.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to have had its onset during service and the Board finds in favor of granting service connection for this condition, as it is considered secondary to his service-connected generalized arthralgias. The claim for secondary service connection based on his service-connected esophagitis with hiatal hernia is also denied.,The Veteran's neck disorder is found not related to service and the Board finds in favor of denying service connection for this condition. The claims for secondary service connection based on his service-connected arthralgias are also denied.,The Veteran's neck scar is found not related to service and the Board finds in favor of denying service connection for this condition. The claims for secondary service connection based on his service-connected arthralgias are also denied.,The Veteran's right arm disorder is found not related to service and the Board finds in favor of denying service connection for this condition. The claim for secondary service connection based on his service-connected neck disorder is also denied.,The Veteran's left arm disorder is found not related to service and the Board finds in favor of denying service connection for this condition. The claim for secondary service connection based on his service-connected neck disorder is also denied.,The Veteran's low back scar is found not related to service and the Board finds in favor of denying service connection for this condition. The claims for secondary service connection based on his service-connected arthralgias are also denied.,The Veteran's right leg disorder is found not related to service and the Board finds in favor of denying service connection for this condition. The claim for secondary service connection based on his service-connected arthralgias is also denied.,The Veteran's left shoulder disorder separate and distinct from service-connected generalized arthralgia is found not related to service and the Board finds in favor of denying service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his residual surgical scar associated with coronary artery disease is denied as the scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left inguinal pain is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating prior to April 14, 2018, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter (but excluding from August 7, 2018 to September 30, 2018) for service-connected inguinal hernia repair right side is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is granted, with a disability rating of 50 percent for residuals of stab wounds to the right dominant upper extremity and a separate 10 percent evaluation for a tender scar on the right upper extremity. The Veteran also receives a TDIU and special monthly compensation based on housebound status.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for an increased rating for bilateral plantar calluses and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's scar from inguinal hernia surgery is granted a 10 percent disability rating, as it causes pain.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his educational and occupational background, thus TDIU is denied.

The Board has granted a TDIU from October 29, 2007 and remanded the SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's left knee scar and disability are being remanded for further development, including review of additional medical evidence. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its inextricability with the rating claims.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including semilunar cartilage condition, limitation of extension, and instability, is rated at a combined 60 percent from May 25, 2010. A TDIU is granted effective January 31, 2011.