Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a head scar and TBI residuals was denied. Service connection for PTSD is granted with an initial rating of 70 percent, effective from April 25, 2017.

The Board has identified several issues for remand, including obtaining medical records and ensuring translations of documents. The claims related to superficial scars, duodenal ulcer disease, automobile or adaptive equipment benefits, service connection for hernia and loss of use of the left knee are all pending.

The Veteran's right foot scar and injury are related to his service, and the Board has granted service connection for both.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, Parkinson's disease, and orthopedic conditions, necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance. The Board has determined that the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance have been met.

The Veteran's appeals for compensable ratings for nephrolithiasis, a right cheek scar, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the left calf donor site scar is dismissed as it became final with the July 1991 rating decision.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for two deep, non-linear right lower extremity scars and a superficial right lower extremity scar are denied as there was no prior communication indicating an intent to file such claims.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 30 percent rating for right knee laxity associated with GSW residuals is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected painful scars as residuals of pilonidal cystectomy are granted a 30 percent disability rating effective September 23, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, while the propriety of reducing VA disability compensation benefits is also being remanded.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease prior to June 3, 2010 was denied as the evidence did not show a workload of greater than 5 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness or syncope.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial disability rating for a residual scar from heart surgery was also denied as there were no disabling effects associated with the scar.

The Veteran's claims for disability ratings for uterine fibroids, hallux valgus of the left foot, and hallux valgus of the right foot are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis, abdominal group XIX muscle strain with spasms, allergic rhinitis, and ovarian cancer are all denied ratings in excess of the current 10 percent. The Veteran is granted a 20 percent rating for stress incontinence beginning October 15, 2018.,The Veteran's painful scars and facial rosacea are both denied ratings higher than the current 10 percent. The Veteran's surgical scars are also denied ratings higher than the current 10 percent. Bilateral ankle and foot cellulitis is not rated as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The effective dates for service connection of allergic rhinitis, major depressive disorder, and stress incontinence have all been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his mental health condition, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as noncompensable (0%) since November 25, 2011.,The Veteran's scar due to head injury is currently rated as noncompensable (0%).

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for cognitive disorder, a right thumb scar, and service connection for PTSD with alcohol use disorder are pending. The Board has remanded these issues due to the need for further development and examination. Additionally, the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is also pending as there are outstanding questions regarding its etiology.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and other disabilities, do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The decision is denied as his unemployability is primarily due to a non-service connected stroke.

The Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for frostbite residuals of the right foot, status-post amputation of the toes with Muscle Group X involvement, and residual scarring have been denied. The current assigned ratings are considered adequate to reflect the severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD and tinnitus. The issues of service connection for a right hand disability, neck condition, sleep apnea, esophagus condition, hernia disability, head scar, and TBI are remanded.

The DIC claim is denied because the Veteran's service-connected disabilities were not continuously rated totally disabling for a period of 10 or more years prior to his death. The cause of death claim is remanded as an addendum opinion is needed.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's service connection claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting new examinations. The Veteran's hearing loss disability claim also requires a new examination.