Scars decisions — 2000

The veteran's appeals for increased ratings for residuals of a scar on the right index finger and residuals of a right wrist injury are denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of limitation of function or flare-ups, and thus did not support an increased rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected postoperative residuals of a right patellectomy and scar of the left leg, finding that the evidence did not warrant an increase in disability ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's scar of the right hand (major) meets the criteria for a 10 percent rating due to muscle herniation and limitation of motion.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation, TDIU, and special monthly pension by reason of being in need of aid and attendance or on account of being housebound were denied as a matter of law due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for back and stomach disorders, but granted a 10% evaluation for tender scars on the left lower leg as of May 1, 1997.

The Board found that the July 1987 RO rating decision did not contain CUE and denied a total rating for compensation purposes based on unemployability.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the appellant's service-connected shell fragment wound disabilities of the left wrist and right thigh, but denied extraschedular evaluations. The effective date is not specified.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hyperpituitarism, a skin disorder claimed as secondary to Agent Orange exposure, and increased evaluations for vivax malaria, residuals of a gunshot wound of the right buttock with healed scar, and bilateral hearing loss disability. The reasons were that there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to his period of active service or to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand and a compensable evaluation for his scar of the anterior chest wall, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied service connection for an eye disability, a back disability, and burns or burn scars of the legs as there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his shell fragment wound scar, left leg, finding that there was no limitation of function due to scarring and thus not warranting any compensation.

The veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected residuals of a closed fracture of the mid distal left tibia and fibula, with subluxation of the peroneal tendon, have been granted at 20 percent. The rating for scarring of peripheral nerves associated with the same condition has also been granted at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his nasal fracture and left upper lip scar, as well as his claim for a compensable disability evaluation under 38 C.F.R. § 3.324 due to lack of evidence showing interference with normal employability.

The VA determined that the veteran's scar of the right index finger, residual of staph infection, does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for chondromalacia of the right knee and a separate 10 percent rating for a laceration scar on the right knee, effective from the date of the decision.

The veteran's service-connected appendectomy scar has not been shown to be tender, painful or poorly nourished since November 18, 1998. The RO denied an increased evaluation for the scar.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for corneal scar and defective distant visual acuity of the left eye, as well as his right elbow disorder. The issues were not addressed due to a lack of timely substantive appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's scar of the right cheek is service-connected, and his claim for a psychiatric condition is not well-grounded.

The Board has determined that the claim of service connection for residuals of facial injuries cannot be reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim of service connection for scars resulting from splinters is not well-grounded as there is no competent medical evidence showing a current disability related to these incidents.