Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and scar on the left side of his head was granted. The decision is based on direct evidence showing that these conditions were incurred in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, notably his bilateral knee disabilities, prevent him from substantially gainful employment that is consistent with his work experience as a laborer. The Board finds entitlement to TDIU granted.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling an examination to assess PFB severity, and issuing a statement of the case for the remaining issues.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on his mental health disability, heart disability, lung disability, and scar are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, as he could manage his daily activities with assistance from his wife.

The Veteran's appeals include requests for a compensable rating, effective date determination, increased ratings, and TDIU for his service-connected right ankle conditions. The propriety of the reduction in rating for his right ankle sprain is also being remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on several issues, including service connection for various conditions and rating claims. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which was granted for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right ankle scars, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the initial compensable rating for deep and nonlinear scar as the appellant withdrew her appeal in April 2019.

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and initial ratings due to procedural issues, including a failure to issue an SOC on these matters. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it relates back to the original claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's right hand disability and scar. The claims are being reconsidered due to receipt of additional relevant inpatient service treatment records from Brooks Army Medical Center.

Service connection for headaches is granted. The Veteran's headaches are linked to her service-connected PTSD and/or TBI.,Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a left shoulder condition, surgical scars, nerve damage, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is denied.

The Veteran's VR&E benefits were discontinued due to her failure to cooperate with extended evaluation and the determination that achievement of a vocational goal is not currently reasonably feasible.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen a claim for service connection for a cervical spine/left shoulder condition is granted. The issue of service connection for the left scapular scar is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected conversion reaction manifested by headaches is granted a 50% rating from May 23, 2016. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the TDIU claim due to insufficient evidence.

The Board granted a higher initial 40 percent rating for the Veteran's surgical scars on his right leg, finding that they are painful and unstable.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board has also remanded the cases for further development.