Scars decisions — 2004

The Board denied service connection for residual scarring from burns to the right rib cage, right lower hip, and right arm due to lack of current diagnosis. Service connection was granted for PTSD as there is credible supporting evidence that a stressor occurred during service.

The Board is unable to make a decision on the service connection claim for cervical spine disorder due to pending development of evidence. The veteran's headaches and scar over his right eye are being remanded for further examination and rating considerations.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to his death from coronary artery disease and ischemic cardiomyopathy. The cause of death was listed as coronary artery disease and ischemic cardiomyopathy.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature of her appendectomy scar and gastrointestinal disorders.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and special monthly compensation were denied. The RO confirmed the existing disability ratings, granted special monthly pension based on housebound status, but did not grant an increase in any of the service-connected conditions.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied. He was granted a compensable evaluation for malaria and TDIU.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for apportionment of his VA compensation benefits on behalf of their minor children, finding that he is reasonably discharging his responsibility for their support and there is no demonstrated financial hardship or undue hardship.

The Board denied a compensable rating for scars to the right forearm, antecubital fossa, and right upper knee. The issue of an increased rating for PTSD remains pending.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 16, 2004, for a combined schedular rating of 100% for his service-connected disabilities was denied. The RO assigned the highest possible schedular evaluation (100%) on August 19, 2004, based on the veteran's left ankle disorder.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for postoperative left ilioinguinal nerve damage and nerve transection was denied.,The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for postoperative inguinal hernia repair residuals, with multiple herniorrhaphies and scars, was also denied.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 10 percent for the veteran's scar on his right knee, effective from April 2, 2002. The other two scars have been rated as non-compensable.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the veteran for VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected scar of the scalp and forehead is granted a 10 percent evaluation effective March 7, 2002. The residuals of his maxillary fracture are also granted but with no compensable rating.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, require the daily personal health care services of a skilled provider without which he would need institutional care. The Board finds that these conditions meet the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for chorioretinal scarring of the left eye, finding that the current rating of 30 percent is the maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete evidence and need for further examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his scars on the right wrist and left heel, finding that he was already receiving the maximum available rating under both old and new VA criteria.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for left kidney removal, finding no competent medical evidence to show a link between the condition and his military service.,However, the Board granted service connection for abdominal burn scars, attributing them to service based on consistent findings of first-degree burns in service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's keloid scars of the chest, back, right arm and armpits are not service-connected as they did not develop due to an injury or disease incurred in service. The evidence does not support a finding that these scars were caused by immunizations received during service.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right ring finger injury and assigned a 10% rating, effective from the date of the decision.