Scars decisions — 2006

The Board has dismissed the claim for a compensable rating for chin scar. The veteran's duodenal ulcer is rated at 40 percent, but not more.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the residuals of his service-connected conditions do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his epithelial type cysts due to acne and scars from the acne, as both conditions are rated at their maximum of 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings of PTSD, increased ratings for SFW scars on various body parts, and service connection for heart disease secondary to PTSD have been denied.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities, including below-the-knee amputation of the left lower extremity and other conditions, are being reviewed to determine if they preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantial gainful employment.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his scar, residuals of bayonet wound of the left thigh is being remanded due to a need for additional development and consideration under both muscle injury and skin disorder criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, malaria, and a shell fragment wound scar of the right scalp region. The veteran was not granted any increased ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for a scar on the right middle shin and an increased initial evaluation for PTSD.

The veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected multiple varicocele surgeries with recurrence of varicocele and scars, currently rated at 30 percent. The appeal is remanded to consider additional evidence and possibly assign separate evaluations for scarring.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right eye corneal scar does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as his corrected vision is no worse than 20/50 in the affected eye and 20/20 in the other.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support service connection for chronic headaches, bilateral hearing loss, or scars of the left rib cage. The veteran's claims were denied.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of scars, right knee disability, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the right lower extremity were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support an increase in evaluation or service connection.

The veteran is currently shown to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities, and the Board finds that a total rating based on individual employability due to service-connected disabilities is warranted.

The veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of her service-connected right foot cyst excision scar, postoperative residuals of a hemorrhoidectomy, and right knee disorders were denied as she did not file timely substantive appeals.

The veteran's PTSD claim was denied, and he is currently rated at 30 percent for facial scars and chloracne. Service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD was also denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings for his degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine with history of radiculitis or laceration of the liver.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on May 5, 2003 for chest pain and shortness of breath are reimbursed as the treatment was related to a service-connected disability (COPD) and no VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's left leg cramps and burn scar are not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's scars of the right shoulder, head, and chest were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The veteran's sole service-connected disability, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is sufficient to preclude his participation in all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for GERD, residuals of head injury, and scar of the neck as there was no evidence linking these conditions to active service.