Scars decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's superficial scars on his left lower extremity are related to an in-service gunshot wound, and thus service connection is granted.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unfit for employment, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hand scars, which cover 2 percent of the entire body and 5 percent of exposed areas. The condition does not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the residuals of his shell fragment wounds do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating or higher ratings.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating have been remanded due to outstanding issues. The low back disability claim is being reviewed, as are the other two issues.

The veteran's service-connected superficial scar over the right tibia is unstable and results in frequent loss of skin covering, but does not result in any limitation of motion. The Board has determined that a 10 percent rating for this condition is warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected post-traumatic headaches and scar, right occipital scalp, residual of shell fragment wound with post-traumatic neuralgia do not warrant an increased rating as their primary manifestations are subjective complaints.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities make him essentially bedridden and in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected residuals of cellulitis with scarring, right upper extremity, as they did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that a 10 percent disability rating for scarring at the left temple is granted throughout the initial rating period. The veteran's low back disability claim will be remanded for further development.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his shell fragment wound scars and abdominal muscle disability were denied. The veteran's abdominal scar was found to be moderately disabling, warranting a 10% evaluation. His left calf scar, however, did not meet the criteria for an increase beyond the current 20% rating.

The veteran's service connection claim for a scar of the kidney is granted as it was incurred during his military service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right little finger, ring finger, and ankle disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation based on current symptomatology.

The veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of residuals of a right ankle sprain, right foot/heel condition, and acne with scars of the facial area have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded as the VA examination reports are outdated and additional evidence, including SSA records, needs to be obtained.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected post-operative appendectomy scar, currently rated at 10 percent disabling, does not warrant an increased rating as it is a superficial scar with intermittent pain but no limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hearing loss disability is not related to his active military service and denied service connection for this condition. The scars from tattoo removal on the left upper arm were found to be incurred during active military service.

The Board found that the veteran's scars on his left wrist were not incurred in service and denied his claim. The issue of hepatitis C was also addressed, but a VA examination is needed to determine its etiology.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him helpless or in need of regular aid and attendance, nor does he meet the criteria for housebound status. As a result, his claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status was denied.

The veteran's headaches are currently evaluated as noncompensable, and her right thigh post-lipoma scar is rated at 10 percent since March 27, 2007.,A higher rating for the veteran's headaches or right thigh post-lipoma scar is denied.