Scars decisions — 2001

The veteran's death was not service-connected, and the appellant did not demonstrate clear and unmistakable error in prior decisions. Therefore, DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for postoperative residuals of fibrocystic disease of the breasts and postoperative scarring of the left face, finding continuity of symptomatology since active duty.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his hysteria type psychoneurosis with post-traumatic neuropathy of the symphysis pubis, penis, groins, and anterior aspects of the thighs to knees, do not warrant a higher rating. The residual cicatrix (scars) of the groin also does not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for residuals of contusion of left lower extremity with tender scar and sensory loss adjacent to scar are denied as there is no basis for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for left supraorbital area laceration scar residuals and remanded the case for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred in service and is not related to his service-connected disabilities.,The veteran's multiple shell fragment wound scars have been evaluated as 10 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular evaluation available under Diagnostic Code 7804.

The VA has denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for shell fragment wound scars of the left foot and right lower extremity, including residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right ankle. The VA found that there were no significant functional limitations or tissue loss.

The veteran's cervical spine, right knee, and headache disabilities were granted increased ratings. The PTSD rating was also granted, but the left corneal scar did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 10% evaluation, and his scars do not warrant any additional compensation. The hearing loss claim is reopened due to new evidence submitted since June 1989.

The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation prior to September 11, 2000, and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for scar residuals of a head injury was granted. The effective date is set as September 11, 2000.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment during the period from July 9, 1990 to September 13, 1990.

The VA has determined that the right iliac crest scar, which is already service-connected and rated at 10 percent, does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms or limitations.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unemployable, and the Board has granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that additional action is required prior to further review of the veteran's appeal, including adjudicating raised claims for service connection and an increased disability evaluation. The RO should then readjudicate the issue of entitlement to TDIU benefits.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected residuals of multiple fractures of the nose and a compensable evaluation for service-connected nasal scars from multiple fractures.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for compensable evaluations for his service-connected scars and also denied a compensable evaluation under 38 C.F.R. § 3.324 due to lack of evidence showing that these conditions clearly interfere with normal employability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a post-operative right inguinal hernia, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right thoracotomy scar and postoperative residuals of a resection of a pulmonary cyst, right lower lobe.