Scars — all decisions

The Board denied a compensable disability rating for midline chest and abdomen scars, remanded the claims for service connection of an intestinal disorder (colon cancer) and a gastroesophageal disorder (dysphagia, esophageal stricture), as there were duty to assist errors in prior adjudications.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, earlier effective dates for service-connected conditions, and temporary total disability ratings.

The Board remands the claims for increased ratings for residual scars of the head, neck, and face and residual scars of the anterior trunk and bilateral upper extremities due to basal and squamous cell carcinoma excisions for a medical opinion on the nature of treatment received.

The Board granted service connection for a scar on the left second finger and remanded claims for chronic sinusitis, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a cervicothoracic disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for increased ratings and a separate rating, as there was no evidence of worsening symptoms within one year prior to the claim filing.

The Board remands the claim for a new VA examination to address the nature and residuals of the Veteran's 2000 hysterectomy, as the previous VA opinions are found to be inadequate.

The Board granted an effective date of March 15, 2023, for a 40 percent evaluation for service-connected prostate cancer and earlier dates for the awards of service connection for anterior and posterior trunk scars.

The Board granted a 20 percent initial rating for bilateral dry eye syndrome and service connection for left knee strain, but denied other claims including increased ratings for right lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, incomplete right bundle branch block (claimed as cardiac arrhythmia), degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine with IVDS, scarring of the left inguinal area, status post varicocele surgery, and service connection for left shoulder strain and restless leg syndrome.

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 appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

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 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 appeal for an earlier effective date and a rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected anxiety disorder, depression, and chronic sleep impairment is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal during the Board hearing.

The Board denied a higher initial rating for the Veteran's scar on the right lower extremity, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board granted service connection for adjustment disorder with depression, insomnia, and anxiety as secondary to service-connected tinnitus but denied an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss and an increased rating for tinnitus. The remaining claims were remanded.

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 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 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 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.