Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected scar on the right wrist is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's skin disability, including discoid lupus erythematosus and folliculitis of the facial area, facial scars, and acne, has been rated at a maximum 60 percent since October 13, 2011. The claim for increased ratings is granted.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of all service-connected disabilities in combination.

The Veteran is unemployable due to her right knee disability for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's disability ratings for limitation of left thigh abduction with scars, flexion, and extension have been granted at the maximum available rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain and secure substantially gainful employment prior to March 17, 2014.

The Veteran's TBI residuals have been rated at 10 percent since November 29, 2010. The rating was increased to 40 percent effective May 11, 2011 and then decreased back to 10 percent effective June 16, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's right foot gunshot residuals resulted in moderately severe injury to the foot from December 1, 2013 to August 16, 2016. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain VA treatment records from 1969 and to provide the Veteran with a VA examination. The case will be returned for further review.

The Board has not determined the validity of all issues on appeal, as some are related to reopening previously denied claims. The Veteran's left foot injury claim and hypertension claim have been reopened due to new evidence submitted. However, service connection for constipation, bruising condition, gynecomastia, and dizziness remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his scar, status post medial meniscal repair, left knee was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show one or more unstable or painful scars warranting a higher disability rating under DC 7804.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral spine injury residuals, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, and hemilaminectomy residuals to include post-operative scar residuals are service-connected. The claims for right hip, right knee, left knee, bilateral foot, and bilateral lower extremity neurological disabilities will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, did not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to February 22, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to a 90 percent disability rating, rendering him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for keloids of the chest, back, and right leg was denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for non-keloid scars of the chest, back, and right leg was denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin rash disorder was denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a scar of the right forearm and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence that these conditions were aggravated by service or are otherwise related to active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to a separate rating of 30 percent for his service-connected scars, as they are painful and deep with an area less than 144 square inches.

The Veteran is granted specially adapted housing due to multiple service-connected disabilities, including the loss or use of the left lower extremity and residuals of organic disease/injury affecting balance and propulsion. The issue of a special home adaptation grant is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's claims for internal derangement of the left knee and instability of the left knee were granted with appropriate ratings. However, his claim for a scar secondary to service-connected disability was denied. The right knee condition remains pending.