Scars decisions — 2005

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected scar on his left hand does not warrant an increased rating as there is no evidence of loss of motion or other functional impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bronchitis, scars from lipoma removal, and residuals of a left hand fracture are not supported by the evidence of record. The medical evidence does not show any findings or symptoms warranting a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his scar of donor site graft, right lower abdomen was denied. The RO found that the current 10 percent evaluation adequately reflects the functional limitations and pain associated with the condition.

The Board granted service connection for a scar on the left middle finger and assigned a 10 percent evaluation, effective from April 17, 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as there is no competent evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The veteran's estranged spouse is seeking an increased monthly apportionment of the veteran's disability compensation benefits. The RO awarded a special apportionment of $250 per month to the veteran's spouse, but additional development and consideration are needed due to procedural issues.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The RO assigned a 30 percent evaluation for residuals of GSW of the right leg with MFB and limitation of motion of the right foot involving Muscle Group XI, effective from December 16, 2004, and a 10 percent disability evaluation for residuals of GSW of the left leg involving Muscle Group XI, also effective from December 16, 2004. The RO denied service connection for anxiety neurosis, cerebrovascular accident (thrombosis), avitaminosis, ischemic heart disease, severe anemia, osteoporosis, arthritis (diagnosed as osteoarthritis), peptic ulcer and cataract.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating of his left heel scar is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected paralysis and sensory impairment of the fifth cranial nerve, with a healed scar on the lower lip, as the current 50 percent rating is considered the highest schedular rating available.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability, currently rated at 40 percent, does not warrant a higher evaluation as there is no evidence of nonunion of the humerus or loss of the head of the humerus.

The veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, effective from March 16, 1992. The combined evaluation of his service-connected conditions meets the criteria for TDIU.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment, and he is therefore denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including PTSD, diabetes, and various musculoskeletal conditions. The RO is instructed to issue a statement of the case for these claims and afford the veteran an opportunity to perfect his appeals.

The Board has granted service connection for herpes ulcer, right eye with corneal scarring and history of herpes keratitis but denied an increased rating beyond the currently assigned 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee scar does not result in any functional limitation of his left knee or leg, and therefore, does not warrant a separate compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right wrist disability warrants a 10 percent evaluation, his multiple surgical scars warrant a separate compensable rating of 10 percent, and service connection for MS is granted. The issues regarding new and material evidence to reopen the claim for MS are addressed.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for scars of the frontal region of the head, face, nose and right lower quadrant is being remanded due to a need for additional development. The current rating remains at noncompensably disabling.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's left tibia tender scar, currently rated at 10 percent. The VA found that there was no evidence of instability or functional impairment.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the June 1971 rating decision that assigned a noncompensable rating for the veteran's right deltoid area scar. The current schedular criteria do not meet the requirements for a compensable rating.

The veteran's service-connected left knee disorder is rated at 20 percent, effective from August 30, 2002. The veteran was granted a compensable rating for his left malar fracture residuals and left forearm hematoma residuals as of August 30, 2002. His right knee scar remains noncompensably disabling.