Scars decisions — 2002

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a head scar warrant an initial 10 percent rating since August 21, 1996. The current 10 percent rating is maintained as there is no evidence to support a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for his dermatitis and laceration scar of the left lower eyelid, finding that the current evaluations were appropriate based on the severity of his conditions.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, did not grant earlier effective date for hypertension, and denied compensable evaluations for hyperpigmentation of the right lower eyelid and laceration scar of the right cheek.

The VA has granted an increased evaluation of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected status post scarification of the right lung due to spontaneous pneumothorax, effective as of September 1, 2001.

The veteran's appeals for higher evaluations for his right leg shortening, gunshot wound residuals, scar on the thigh, and deformity of the lower back plates were denied. The most favorable evaluation assigned was 40 percent for the muscle damage residuals from a gunshot wound to the right thigh.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, heart disease, a right forearm scar, and diabetes mellitus. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a permanent and total disability rating for non-service-connected pension purposes.

Service connection for PTSD has been granted based on new evidence.,The claim of an increased rating for corneal scar of the left eye remains denied.

The Board finds that the veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a head injury, manifested by residual scarring, is granted due to the evidence showing an in-service injury and subsequent treatment.

The veteran withdrew their appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a corneal scar as residual of trauma to the left eye, finding that there was no evidence linking the current condition to service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cervical spine and low back pain with headaches, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for reimbursement or payment of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Lincoln General Hospital from October 30, 1997 to November 3, 1997 due to lack of eligibility under existing laws.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's disabilities, including his left knee replacement and residuals of a cerebrovascular accident, render him unable to care for himself and perform tasks incident to daily living. The need for regular aid and attendance is established, granting special monthly pension benefits.

The RO has granted initial disability ratings of 10 percent for postoperative iliotibial band syndrome and a tender postoperative scar on the left knee, effective from the date service connection became effective.

The Board has granted a TDIU rating for the veteran's service-connected disabilities, finding that they prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The right peroneal nerve injury is rated at 10 percent and does not warrant an increased rating.

The Board found that recoupment of separation pay is proper and denied the veteran's appeal.

The Board denied a compensable evaluation for the veteran's service-connected right eye disability, finding that his visual acuity was not severe enough to warrant such a rating.

The Board found no convincing evidence linking the veteran's current scars of the back to injuries sustained in service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's left thigh scar residual from his triple bypass surgery is manifested by subjective complaints of pain or numbness only, and does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left hip scars, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a higher rating based on pain alone.