Scars decisions — 2008

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are found to be related to in-service noise exposure. The veteran also has asbestosis with lung scarring, which is linked to his in-service asbestos exposure.

The veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder/PTSD, rated at 70 percent disabling, has prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment due to his psychiatric disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial rating of 10 percent for his service-connected scar residuals from a laceration on the right thigh. The evidence did not support a higher rating based on the criteria in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The veteran's claims for increased initial disability ratings for sinusitis, hypertension, hemorrhoids, and a scar resulting from excision of a left axillary mass were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for any compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for scars on the neck and scalp, finding that they are related to the veteran's service-connected dermatitis. The claim for an increased rating for seborrheic dermatitis remains denied.

The veteran's PTSD, right leg scar, and burns of the hands are currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board denied his claims for higher ratings on these conditions. Service connection was not established for residuals of burns to the face, bilateral hearing loss, or tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an error in a previous VA examination.

The veteran's residuals of a left hand injury are currently rated at 10 percent, effective from the date of the initial rating decision. The issues of service connection for PTSD and abdominal scars due to in-service car accident remain pending as further evaluation is required.

The veteran's TDIU claim was granted with an effective date of December 8, 2000. The original rating for his service-connected gastrectomy and post-gastrectomy scar is 60%.

The Board has determined that additional records are needed to fully evaluate the appellant's claims, including service medical records and personnel records. The appellant is being asked to provide any relevant documents she may have.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's scar and scar tissue of both left and right groins, finding that these conditions did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and a compensable evaluation for the shell fragment wound scar of the occipital scalp. The claim for residuals of a left knee injury including arthritis and tendinitis is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, and his facial scar is rated as noncompensable. The RO must address the left knee and cervical spine issues on remand.

The VA has determined that the veteran's appendectomy scar, which causes pain and tenderness on palpation, warrants a 10 percent disability rating. The current rating is at its maximum level under the applicable diagnostic code.

The veteran's appeals for increased initial ratings for residual scars, status post appendectomy, and bilateral macula retinal drusen have been withdrawn. The case is now ready for appellate review.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection as there is no current disability and no evidence of a shrapnel injury during service.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his left wrist disability was dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction. The claim for SMP by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance of another person has been reopened based on new evidence, but the criteria for receiving such benefits have not been met.

The Board has remanded the veteran's appeal due to incomplete development of evidence, particularly regarding a claimed left rib cage injury and chronic headaches. The veteran will be provided with another VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current headache disorder.

The veteran's right hydrocele and left scrotal scar, status post Behcet's syndrome and left scrotal ulcer are tender on examination and have been rated at the maximum compensable rating of 10 percent.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including a left shoulder disability, tinea pedis, and other musculoskeletal issues. Service connection is not granted as the evidence does not show these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.