Scars Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for several disorders, granted service connection for tinnitus, and remanded additional claims for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for a chest scar, as the evidence did not show that the scar was painful or unstable, affected an area of at least 39 square centimeters (6 square inches) with associated underlying soft tissue damage, affected an area of at least 929 square centimeters (144 square inches) without associated underlying soft tissue damage, or caused limitation of function.

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for persistent dysthymic disorder, denied a compensable rating for non-painful abdomen scars, and denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for painful abdomen scars. The Board also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied a compensable rating for the first back scar and an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for the second painful back scar.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea and back disability, preclude his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment from March 19, 2025.

The Board denied a separate disability rating for residuals of status post left inguinal hernia repair, other than scar.

The Board reinstated the 50 percent disability rating for squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp with surgical scars, effective February 19, 2024. Service connection was also restored for lumbosacral strain and various radiculopathies.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for asthma but denied all other claims, including service connection for various conditions and a compensable rating for scars between the scapulae.

The Board restored the 10 percent rating for GERD, denied increased ratings for other conditions, and remanded service connection claims.

The veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision, and all claims were dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) as it was not factually ascertainable that he was unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to April 28, 2016.

The Board denied an initial rating higher than 10 percent for residual scars from basal cell carcinoma and remanded the claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for right upper extremity neuropathy and painful scars of the right hand and arm, as the evidence did not support an earlier claim.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and chest pains, and denied increased ratings for various conditions including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cluster headaches with dizziness, scar, painful scar, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, eczematoid dermatitis, and GERD with irritable bowel syndrome. The Board granted a restoration of the 30 percent rating for GERD with IBS and granted TDIU.

The appeal for service connection and initial rating claims has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment from December 13, 2006, such that entitlement to a TDIU is warranted from that date.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral flatfoot and acne scars due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including missing personnel records and inadequate medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various disabilities, including a lumbar spine disability and radiculopathies of both lower extremities, as well as left inguinal hernia and its scar.

The Board granted restoration of the 10 percent rating for right and left hip limitation of extension, denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for back disability, and denied increased ratings for other conditions.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and residuals of boils on buttocks, but granted service connection for sleep apnea.