Scars decisions — 2007

The veteran's service-connected disability (residuals of catarrhal/scarlet fever to include status-post aortic valve replacement) does not render him unemployable due to his service-connected condition alone. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against his claim.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for a residual scar, status post pilonidal cystectomy, is being remanded due to the need for new VA examination and additional development under VCAA.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied. The RO granted service connection and a 10 percent evaluation for traumatic degenerative joint disease of the left knee, effective from January 18, 2002.

The Board found that the veteran's scars of the left shoulder and anterior neck do not warrant a compensable rating on a schedular basis due to lack of evidence indicating they cause limitation of motion or function.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's residual scar of the left fifth finger, finding that it is painful and tender on examination.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his right knee laceration with scar was denied. The claim of service connection for a left knee condition, which had been previously denied in November 1994, remains closed as new and material evidence has not been submitted.

The veteran's claim for accrued benefits was denied as he did not have a pending claim at the time of his death and no outstanding monetary benefits were due to him.

The veteran's decreased sensation over the graft sites of both lower extremities and his burn scars on the right leg are rated at their highest possible evaluations under VA rating criteria.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an increased rating for his left chest scar and service connection for a left arm disorder and low back disorder, both claimed as secondary to the left chest scar. The Board found no evidence of any functional loss or impairment due to the left chest scar.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee popliteal scar and dysentery with residuals of irritable bowel syndrome, as there was no evidence showing that these conditions warranted higher disability evaluations.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain service medical records and other pertinent evidence, including from the appellant's military unit in Vietnam. The claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and skin disorders are also being remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, an initial rating for a left ankle disability, and initial compensable ratings for a scar on his left nostril and hemorrhoids due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities have been denied as there is no evidence of nonunion, ankylosis, or significant loss of motion in any of the conditions at issue.

The Board has granted service connection for scars of the feet and a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms meet the criteria for these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in his inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected scars do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under either the old or new VA rating criteria. The evaluations in excess of those currently assigned are denied.

The veteran is granted VA compensation for a localized skin rash or eczema due to his laparotomy scar, but his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is denied as he failed to appear for scheduled examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for a right cornea scar and denied service connection for sinus cavity tumors and palate disorder. The right cornea scar is found to be related to the veteran's military service, while the sinus cavity tumors and palate disorder are not considered to be related to his service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and development of his claim for an increased rating for residuals of gunshot wounds to the right knee, including scars.

The veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The RO found that the service-connected scars and wounds did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.