Scars decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for facial scars and an increased rating for chronic low back strain with herniated disc, finding that her facial scars did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under the old or new diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for an injury to muscle group XIX is granted. The veteran's claims for service connection for the left forearm scar and hearing loss are also granted.

The veteran's service-connected appendectomy scar is rated at 10 percent, effective June 1, 1995. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold minimum percentage criteria for a TDIU, and there is no evidence to support an extra-schedular award. The Board finds that he does not qualify for a TDIU.

The veteran's appeal is denied as he does not meet the eligibility criteria for CHAMPVA benefits due to his noncompensable service-connected disability and a 100% evaluation based on a service-connected condition.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death and any diseases or disabilities substantially contributing to his death were not caused by or aggravated by service-connected conditions, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The veteran's claims for service connection were granted, and effective dates of June 19, 2006 were assigned. The appeals for earlier effective dates are denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to a rating for an abdominal scar, reopening of a claim for service connection for bronchitis, and TDIU.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the veteran's claims for service connection for numbness in his legs and hands, as they are not related to his active military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain medical records and for further consideration of his claims.

The veteran seeks service connection for skeletal conditions, including left knee, fractured ribs, and a scarred lung. The Board has requested additional service treatment records from the veteran's period of service in 1996 to 1997.

The Board denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 because the veteran was not service-connected for a disability rated as 100% disabling for at least 10 years prior to his death.

The veteran's service connection claims for hemorrhoids, right foot arthritis (metatarsal bones), and throat cancer are denied. Service connection is granted for right foot arthritis (metatarsal bones). The veteran's heart disease claim remains unresolved.

The Board has granted service connection for an appendectomy scar, but denied the claim of service connection for a mixed personality disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral residuals of frostbite with arthritis and bilateral weak feet, contributed to his development of cardiovascular disease which caused his death. As such, the appeal for service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left knee and right thigh burn scars do not warrant a compensable evaluation under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board is considering multiple claims for service connection, including prostate cancer and various other disabilities. The veteran's petition to reopen his claim for left hand/wrist scar has been granted due to the submission of new evidence. However, no new or material evidence was submitted to support reopening the claims for hearing loss, hypertension, eye disability, sexual dysfunction, left foot disability, skin disability, residuals of partial right nephrectomy, and prostate cancer.

The Board has granted service connection for a scar on the left great toe, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. The veteran is seeking increased ratings for hypertension and coronary artery disease.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and thus grants a TDIU.

The veteran's burn scars of the anterior chest and left axilla, covering an area of 18 square inches each, do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating than 20 percent.