Scars decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple service-connected conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including providing notice and obtaining medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to an apportionment of his disability compensation benefits greater than $260.00 on behalf of his minor child R.L.T., as doing so would cause undue financial hardship.

The veteran's service-connected right index finger scar is rated at 10 percent, the maximum under Diagnostic Code 7805 for scars of the skin. The disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating as there is no evidence of deep penetration or extensive area.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation on account of housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's scars from a gunshot wound to the right hand are currently rated as zero percent disabling due to their non-limiting nature and lack of pain or tenderness. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating.

The VA denied a higher disability rating for the veteran's service-connected right hip injury, currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected scar disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an increased evaluation for a left anterior iliac region donor site scar, finding that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD and insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the claimed conditions and service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed and the case is being remanded for further evaluation of the veteran's hernia condition.

The Board failed to address the veteran's claims for compensable disability ratings for residual scarring of the buttocks and neurological deficits involving the right buttock and thigh in its January 2005 decision. The appeal is considered jurisdictional error.

The veteran's claims for service connection for UTI, chest scar, pes planus, groin and stomach pain, allergic rhinitis, and URI have all been denied as there is no current evidence of disability related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for hearing loss and also denied a compensable rating for his shrapnel wound scar. The evidence submitted since the last denial was not considered new and material, and he failed to appear for VA examinations.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for residual scarring involving the right and left buttocks is being remanded due to a lack of recent VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hearing loss, tinnitus, and postoperative residuals of a laceration on his right hand. The claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance was granted.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the effective loss of use of his lower extremities, including his feet. The Board has granted entitlement to financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including residuals of cold injury, scars to the hands (claimed in part as due to burns), degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, fibromyalgia, and strabismus. The combined schedular evaluation was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left eye corneal scar was incurred during combat service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right wrist, hand and forearm conditions are service-connected as they represent a complete grant of the benefit sought on appeal.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and conducting examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD, residual scarring from a left elbow shrapnel fragment wound, and unemployability.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a left foot condition, a left shoulder condition, a scar on the left bicep, and a lower back disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.