Scars decisions — 2007

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being permanently housebound.

The Board has determined that the veteran's scar of the left scapula, residual of a lipoma excision does not meet or approximate the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for compensable ratings for his left and right thigh scars, finding that there was no evidence of instability or functional limitation to warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's initial claim for increased evaluations of his left heel scar and associated residuals was granted, with a current rating of 20 percent effective June 1, 2004.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for an abdominal disorder, post-operative residuals of a left testicular orchiectomy, and a scar. The Board found that there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness at enlistment, and that the preexisting condition did not worsen during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting opinions regarding the limitation of motion and scar residuals. A VA orthopedic examination is needed to determine these issues.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder disability and left thigh scar, finding that there was no evidence to support a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The veteran's heart disease, epididymitis, aneurysm, white mass on the brain, memory loss, COPD, left wrist weakness and scarring, right ear hearing loss, seizure disorder, and erectile dysfunction are not service-connected due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange.,Service connection is denied for all claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his cause of death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left thumb scar, residuals of cuts on his forearm, shoulder and chest, and PTSD are all service-connected. The scars were incurred during service due to injuries sustained while using a knife or in an attack by another individual. The PTSD is linked to a traumatic event during service.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current extent of his service-connected gunshot wound scars and any associated residuals, including an incisional hernia. The RO should also obtain updated VA outpatient clinical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current malaria or facial scars, and any such conditions are not related to service. Therefore, service connection for both conditions is denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of whether extra-schedular considerations should be applied. The issues include increased evaluations for scars, headaches, and TDIU.

The VA determined that the veteran's acne scars do not warrant a higher rating as they are superficial and do not meet the criteria for more severe disfigurement or other disabling conditions.

The veteran's forehead scar and headaches are currently rated, but not in excess of the assigned ratings.,Service connection for dizziness and tinnitus is denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that a 10 percent evaluation is warranted for the veteran's scar above the left eye, effective from August 30, 2002. Prior to this date, no higher rating was warranted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for otitis media, hearing loss with tissue scarring, and tinnitus. The Board found that the preexisting conditions existed prior to service and were not shown by clear and unmistakable evidence to have been aggravated during service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and additional consideration of the claims.

The Board found that the veteran's recurrent pneumonia with a residual left lung scar is not causally related to his active service, any incident therein, or any service-connected disability.

The veteran's service-connected left wrist scars were granted a 10% rating effective October 22, 2002. The Board found that the earlier effective dates for service connection and increased rating are not warranted.