Scars decisions — 2008

The Board has granted service connection for a facial scar of the left cheek and assigned a 10 percent rating, effective October 2005. The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for this condition was denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's scars do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the revised skin rating criteria, as they are superficial and do not cover an area of more than 144 square inches. The veteran was granted service connection but denied increased ratings.

The veteran's condition has worsened, and he needs an additional VA examination to determine if he qualifies for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's shell fragment wound residuals, left chest region, with fracture of 8th rib, multiple retained foreign bodies, pain, and limitation of motion of the left shoulder. The claimant is not entitled to an increased rating for his laparotomy scar of the left upper quadrant of the abdomen.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the left arm. The Board has determined that a more contemporaneous VA examination is needed in order to assess the current severity of the disability, and corrective VCAA notification must be provided.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected conditions do not warrant a compensable evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for chorioretinal scarring and floaters of the right eye, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to a motor vehicle accident during service. Service connection was denied for bursitis of the left shoulder.

The veteran's right leg disability is rated at 30 percent, and his facial scar with retained foreign bodies is not entitled to a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed nerve damage to his right hand, finding that there was no evidence of a causal relationship between his current disability and active service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for nerve damage secondary to his appendectomy and hernia scar was denied as the current rating already accounts for pain caused by impingement of the right ilioinguinal nerve.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for new and material evidence to reopen his left hip disability claim. The TDIU claim was also denied as he did not meet the percentage requirements set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

The Board has granted service connection for a dental condition as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus (DM). The remaining claims are remanded for further action.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to issues of service connection for chronic hearing loss disability, chronic tinnitus, and a chronic sciatic nerve disorder; a rating in excess of 10 percent for right (major) distal humeral compound fracture residuals with biceps muscle involvement and scar residuals under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. � 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5305; and separate compensable evaluations for scars.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his skin graft scars on the right thigh and second/third degree burn scars on the left leg and foot, as there was no evidence of new or worsening conditions that would warrant higher evaluations under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have residuals of a head injury, including a scar on the left temple due to an injury incurred in service. The claim is denied.

The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU prior to January 29, 2003. As such, an earlier effective date is denied.

The veteran's combined disability rating is 70 percent, but the Board finds that he is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities alone.

The veteran is seeking a higher rating for his service-connected third degree burn scar of the right lower leg. The case has been remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if he should receive a higher disability rating.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for fibromyalgia and granted it. The claims for hypertension, pseudofolliculitis barbae, chronic rash/rosacea, and a periumbilical scar have been addressed.,Pseudofolliculitis barbae and chronic rash/rosacea were found to be incurred in service.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected left fifth finger disability with scarring and arthritis did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.