Scars decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities were denied. The initial compensable evaluation for the right thigh wound was not granted, and he is still rated at zero percent. For the elbow wounds, he received a 10 percent rating initially but remains at that level. Both shrapnel scars are also rated at zero percent.

The VA did not find that the veteran's nasal scarring and notching resulted from carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill in the October 1997 surgery. The Board denied the claim.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a TDIU rating as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements necessary for the assignment of a total rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for loss of teeth, residuals of a fracture of the nose, and a scar of the upper lip, residual of a laceration. The evidence does not support the veteran's assertions that he sustained these conditions in service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to care for his daily personal needs or protect himself from the hazards and dangers of daily living without regular aid and attendance, nor does he meet the criteria for being permanently housebound.

The veteran's claim for accrued benefits was denied as the claim had not been pending at the time of his death. The cause of death was alcohol-related, and service connection for the cause of death could not be established due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between the veteran's service-connected conditions and his death.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of service connection for organic brain syndrome or a facial scar, and thus the claims are denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as they are rated at 20% combined, which is less than the required percentage of 60%. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities alone.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for residuals of laceration of the dorsum of the right hand, finding that the condition is manifested by well-healed scar with slight limitation of motion of the individual finger joints.

The VA determined that there is no evidence of muscle damage or a through-and-through wound, and thus denied the veteran's claims for compensable evaluations for his scars.

The veteran's PTSD and scar of the right foot, status post shrapnel wound, are both service-connected. The VA has granted a compensable evaluation for his scar but denied an increased evaluation for his PTSD.

The Board has determined that the reduction in rating for residuals of a right heel reconstruction surgical scar is not warranted, and denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim for VA benefits, and denied basic eligibility for VA benefits due to a lack of qualifying service.

The Board denied an increased rating for a right ring finger deformity and two scars on the right leg as there is no evidence of functional loss or limitation of motion that would warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the relationship between the veteran's hypertension and PTSD, as well as any current right hand scars. The case will be returned for this purpose.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for post-operative scar residuals of pilonidal cyst and denied service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include an anxiety disorder and PTSD.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such a nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, thus meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and there is no evidence of a nexus between any claimed conditions and his period of military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection for malaria and back disability. The veteran's bullet scar was not found to meet criteria for a compensable rating. Service connection for residuals of malaria and back disability were also denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for a scar on his left foot has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the pendency of the appeal.