Scars decisions — 2004

The veteran seeks increased evaluations for service-connected conditions and service connection for various other disorders. The Board finds that further development is needed to address the relationship between her claimed conditions and active service, as well as any new evidence submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left hand scar warrants a rating of 10 percent, and his claim for service connection for skin rash of the feet is reopened. However, there are no specific ratings assigned or effective dates provided in this decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's TDIU claim must be remanded due to the need for further medical evaluation and consideration of his service-connected disabilities, including a left knee condition. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant VA treatment records and schedule the veteran for an appropriate examination.

The Board denied the claim for an increased rating for residuals of a left thigh scar, finding that the appellant's other leg problems cause his inability to move freely.,The Board also found that the appellant is not in need of regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and for a scar on his face and neck, with no assigned rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pilonidal cyst, which pre-existed service and was aggravated by active military service, warrants service connection for residuals from its surgical removal (i.e., a scar).

The Board has granted service connection for genital herpes and residual scars from Cesarian sections, secondary to genital herpes. The veteran's current diagnosis of herpes is linked to her in-service treatment, leading to multiple cesarian sections.

The Board denied a higher initial rating for the veteran's service-connected right ear fungal infection with tympanic membrane scarring, finding that the evidence did not support an evaluation greater than 0 percent.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected residual laceration scar of the right knee does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and Social Security Administration information.

The Board denied extensions of temporary total ratings and increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, finding that the veteran did not meet the criteria for extended convalescence or higher disability ratings.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Regional Office of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected conditions have been denied. The Board found no evidence of impairment that would warrant a compensable evaluation.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left shoulder scar is being remanded due to the need for further examination and development of medical records.

The veteran's increased rating claim for status post fracture of the left mandible and his left neck scar were both granted. He is now rated at 10 percent for each condition.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for laceration, right wrist/hand with residual scar and hypoesthesia involving forefinger and middle finger due to a lack of competent evidence of active gouty arthritis.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for a scar of the left buttock is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The VA granted service connection for an appendectomy scar but assigned a non-compensable rating. The veteran is seeking further clarification or higher compensation.

The veteran's shell fragment wound scars of both shoulders are currently evaluated as noncompensably disabling. The RO denied the claims for increased evaluations, finding that the scars do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The case is ready for appellate review.