Scars decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for various service-connected conditions, including tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss. The veteran was not granted any additional ratings.

The veteran's TDIU rating is granted with an effective date of December 7, 2001.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for a left forehead scar and the petition to reopen his claim for service connection for hypertension were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to August 30, 2002 or for a rating in excess of 10 percent after that date. Additionally, no new and material evidence was presented to support reopening his claim for service connection for hypertension.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for the scar on his chin prior to August 30, 2002 was denied. For the period beginning August 30, 2002, he is granted a 10 percent evaluation for disfigurement of the chin.

The veteran's severe psychiatric disabilities, including schizophrenia and substance abuse, render him unemployable and qualify for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claim.

The veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a medical opinion.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's shell fragment wound residuals of the right thigh, currently evaluated at 30 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for a scar of the right forearm incurred in active service. The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his low back disability and earlier effective date for total rating based on individual unemployability are remanded due to procedural issues.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the veteran's service connection and rating claims, including consideration of recent changes in VA regulations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional records from Social Security Administration.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claim for additional action, including obtaining relevant VA clinical records and scheduling an examination by a different physician to address specific findings from the May 2004 VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for her scar, residual of a hysterectomy and for a compensable rating for hypertension.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing due to the Veterans Law Judge who conducted his previous hearing no longer being employed with VA.

The appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for proper VCAA notification and compliance with VA's duty to assist.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical examinations and evidence to support the veteran's claims of service connection for head injuries, scars, and a low back disability.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him helpless and in danger in his daily environment, requiring the regular assistance of another individual on a daily basis to accomplish personal self-care. His service-connected disabilities do not substantially confine him to his dwelling or immediate premises.

The Board denied service connection for a scar on the left jaw, finding no evidence of current disability and noting that the veteran failed to report to scheduled VA examinations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection for chloracne, gallstones, and hearing loss are pending.