Scars decisions — 2004

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her service-connected keloidal scar on the left side of her face and Frey's syndrome, finding that both conditions are currently rated appropriately at 10 percent.

The VA determined that the veteran's scar, postoperative cyst removal, suboccipital area of the neck with tender nodule is no more than superficial, tender, and painful on objective examination, warranting a 10 percent disability rating.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his scar and neuritis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected shell fragment wound scars of the left shoulder and neck is being remanded due to additional development needed, including a dermatology examination.

The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for shell fragment scars of the right elbow and both legs is denied. The May 1969 rating decision denying service connection for a right knee disability remains final. New and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's burn scars warrant a 30 percent disability evaluation, effective from August 1, 2002. The initial compensable rating for his hemorrhoids remains unchanged.

The veteran's claims of service connection for right knee sprain, residuals of pneumonia, and depression were granted. The other issues on appeal are not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied a compensable disability rating for macular scar with a scotoma of the right eye, finding that the condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on its size and location.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date, finding that the January 1985 rating decision is final and does not contain CUE. The June 1997 grant of service-connected benefits was based on new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding whether the veteran's suspected glaucoma is related to his service-connected corneal scar, right eye. The RO should schedule a VA examination and adjudicate both the increased rating claim for corneal scar, right eye and the secondary service connection claim for glaucoma.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a left eye injury, including a chorioretinal scar and reduced vision, are service-connected as they can be traced back to an in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his abdominal scar and to determine whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim for service connection for hemorrhoids and anal fissure. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 30 percent for the service-connected left leg burn scar residuals, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected scars do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating as they are superficial and do not cause any reported symptoms such as pain, swelling, or numbness.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residual scars on his head and back, finding no evidence of a nexus to active duty service.

The veteran's service-connected post-concussion syndrome is rated at 10 percent, and he was granted service connection for a scar tissue of the right leg as a residual of a laceration wound. The claim for chronic disability of heat exhaustion was denied.

The Board denied service connection for an ulcer disorder, headaches, and a knee disorder. The veteran's scarlet fever was not found to be related to her military service. Service connection for a back disorder was also denied.

The veteran's claim for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only was denied because he does not meet the criteria for such benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining recent medical records and scheduling VA examinations to evaluate his lumbar spine disability.

The veteran's death was not caused by any of his service-connected disabilities, and there is no evidence that they contributed to his death. The medical records do not show a causal connection between the veteran's renal failure and his service-connected conditions.