Scars decisions — 2004

The VA determined that the veteran's active chloracne is minimal and has resolved, resulting in only residual pitted scars. The current evaluation of 10% under Diagnostic Code 7829 is appropriate given the inactive nature of his condition.

The veteran's initial compensable evaluations for right and left knee retropatellar pain syndromes, as well as her left temple scar, have been granted.

The veteran's service-connected scar, residuals of a shell fragment wound, right thigh, is now rated as noncompensable. The scar at the back of his head remains noncompensable. His service-connected shell fragment wounds are currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling each. Headaches are also rated as 10 percent disabling. Service connection for a right knee disorder has been granted.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the veteran's service-connected scar on the lower lip, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation guidelines.

The veteran's service connection for third degree burn scars of the left foot has been granted, but the extent and location of the scarring are unclear. The RO must clarify this in order to properly evaluate his disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation and consideration of his claim for an increased disability rating for scarring as a residual of a shell fragment wound to the penis. The VA will provide additional assistance in obtaining evidence, including medical records and examinations, and will then readjudicate the case.

The VA denied initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's right and left hand shell fragment wound scars with posttraumatic degenerative joint disease of the wrist, finding that his conditions did not warrant such higher ratings based on the current evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for a post surgical scar, removal of a capillary hemangioma. The claim for low back disorder is pending and will be remanded.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his scar of the left parietal area, finding that it does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of shell fragment wounds to his right shoulder and right hip and thigh, finding that these conditions are related to his combat service in World War II. The veteran is also presumed to have incurred tinnitus during his military service.

The Board has received notification from the appellant that they wish to withdraw their appeal. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The veteran's service-connected scar, residual of a head injury, is characterized by a size of five centimeters by three centimeters and warrants a 10 percent disability rating under the current regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran became unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities as of September 15, 1992. The effective date for the TDIU is set at September 15, 1992.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his conditions do not prevent him from engaging in substantial and gainful employment.

The Board found that the veteran's left forearm scar existed prior to his military service and was not aggravated by such service. The arthritis of the lumbar spine is related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claims for an increased evaluation and secondary service connection are being remanded to allow for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected residuals of head injury with skull/sinus fractures and brain concussion with dementia and anxiety. Additionally, a separate 10 percent evaluation is assigned for his scarring of the face, right supraorbital area.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The bilateral eye disability remains at a 50 percent rating, sinusitis is not compensable, and scars of the nose and face are rated as noncompensable.