Scars Board decisions

The Board denied a higher (compensable) rating for the scar upper lip status post laceration and repair, as it did not meet the criteria for disfigurement or other characteristics warranting a compensable rating.

The Board granted an earlier effective date for the right calf scar and a TDIU, but denied increased ratings for various conditions.

The Board granted a separate disability rating of 10 percent for the laparoscopic scars and denied higher ratings for all other conditions.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and an initial 70 percent rating, but not higher, for persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress. Other claims were denied or remanded.

The appeal was denied for an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for inner lip scars, and the claims for service connection for various disabilities were remanded due to missing records and a need for additional medical evidence.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for a left hip disability and a left hip scar, but denied an increased rating for a left hip scar.

The Board denied service connection for digestive condition and sinusitis, but granted service connection for vitiligo of the penis and lipomas. The initial ratings for various disabilities were also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, primarily migraines with tension headaches, rendered him unemployable from July 25, 2023, and he is eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits starting the same date. He also qualifies for special monthly compensation based on housebound status as of October 9, 2023.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support a compensable rating or service connection for any of the conditions appealed.

The Board remands the claims for an earlier effective date for service connection for various conditions, due to a failure to provide notice of the Veteran's right to a hearing.

The Board granted a 10 percent disability rating for the service-connected scar, status-post appendectomy, but denied all other claims for increased ratings and service connection.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings for the veteran's bilateral tinnitus, left foot disability (4th and 5th digit extensor tendonitis), and left foot scars.

The Board denied increased ratings for the lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral), posterior trunk scars, and painful scars. However, it granted a rating of 40 percent for the lumbar spine disability from August 30, 2022, an earlier effective date of April 10, 2019, for service connection for painful trunk scars, and an earlier effective date of November 9, 2020, for TDIU and DEA.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for lumbar strain but denied higher ratings and service connection for other conditions.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for right foot pes planus, status-post navicular spur and a separate 20 percent rating for right foot plantar fasciitis. The claim for a higher rating for sinusitis with headaches was denied.

The Board denied increased ratings for multiple service-connected conditions and denied service connection for several additional conditions, including tinnitus, chronic sinusitis, left sciatic radicular pain of the left leg, traumatic brain injury (TBI), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue syndrome, and a back disorder.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating and service connection due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date prior to July 14, 2021, for service connection for various conditions.

The Board denied service connection for high cholesterol, a right knee disability, and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of stomach cancer, painful scar. The claim for a compensable rating for stomach cancer with GERD was remanded.

The Board granted service connection for a left breast mass condition and denied increased ratings for a trunk scar above the right breast and bilateral hearing loss. Several claims were remanded.