Scars decisions — 2004

The VA denied increased disability ratings for the service-connected herniorrhaphy scar and residuals of inguinal herniorrhaphy, with a noncompensable rating assigned for the latter condition.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a left eye disorder and granted it on the merits. The Board also granted service connection for a left hand/wrist disability, finding that the evidence is at least as likely as not related to in-service shell fragment wounds.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and a scar of the right flank due to urethral lithotomy. The case is remanded for further development.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension was denied as he did not meet the criteria of being permanently and totally disabled due to nonservice-connected disabilities, age, or occupational background.

The Board has denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, a cardiac disorder, diabetes mellitus, leg scars, arthritis of the neck and shoulders. The evidence does not support a finding that any current disabilities are related to service.