Scars decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of August 12, 2003, for a 10 percent disability rating for her scar of the left posterior thigh. The evidence did not show that she was entitled to this rating prior to August 12, 2003.

The veteran's claims for service connection for reactive airway disease, initial compensable ratings for residuals of a nasal fracture, hemorrhoids, and groin rash are denied. The veteran is granted a 10% rating for his groin rash under the new VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating of his left shoulder disorder, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for a left lower leg disability, which was previously denied as a left heel disability. The Board also granted service connection for a left lower leg scar resulting from cellulitis of the left lower leg treated in service.

The Board denied an effective date prior to January 10, 2003 for service connection for a scar from a residual shell fragment wound on the left side of the head.,The Board also denied an effective date prior to January 10, 2003 for service connection for a scar from a residual shell fragment wound on the lumbar region.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require aid and attendance or render him housebound.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for residuals of removal of a bone cyst, left thigh scar and mild chronic strain left hip and left thigh.

The VA has granted a 10% disability rating for the veteran's scarring of the right middle finger. Service connection for arthritis of the arms was also granted, but it is noted that further development is needed to determine if there is any link between the current arm disabilities and service.

The veteran's service-connected facial scar and right arm scar have been rated at 30 percent effective August 30, 2002.

The veteran's service-connected left foot scars, as secondary to the service-connected disability of amputation of great, second and third toes of the left foot are rated at 10 percent. The veteran is not entitled to a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities as his service-connected conditions do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation of his service-connected scar, right index finger, proximal interphalangeal joint, medial aspect; service connection for myocardial infarction and anxiety; and service connection for gouty arthritis. The medical evidence did not show that these conditions were related to military service or manifested within one year of discharge.

The veteran's right thigh scar(s) are rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating available under current criteria. The Board found that his service-connected disability does not meet the requirements for a TDIU due to its low impact on employment.

The VA determined that the veteran's right hand scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the old rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected scar on his right breast does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating, as it is not deep, painful, unstable, or otherwise causative of limitation of motion or function.

The veteran's left ankle fusion is rated at 30% and the residuals of a left patella fracture are rated at 10%. The tender and painful scar over the left knee is also rated at 10%. The effective date for service connection remains May 3, 1994.,The veteran's facial scars (specifically one extending from the left eyelid into the forehead) are rated at 10%.

The Board found no evidence of current gastrointestinal disorders or scarring, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has denied a rating greater than 20 percent for the veteran's left foot disability and granted a 20 percent rating for his left ankle disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his chemical burn scars and laceration scar, finding that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 10 percent. The claim for tinnitus was also denied as a matter of law due to the revised criteria for evaluating tinnitus.