Scars decisions — 2008

The veteran's shrapnel scars of the face are not shown to meet the criteria for a rating greater than 30 percent.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a back injury, residuals of a right ankle injury, and facial scars as there was no evidence to support the veteran's claims.

The veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10% for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease and a compensable rating for residual scrotal vasectomy scars are being remanded to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC) due to the need for additional development.

The veteran's initial evaluation for the residuals of testicular cancer was denied, while a 10 percent evaluation was granted for a scar of the left groin area.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for a fracture of the right malleolus, hemorrhoids, and a scar of the right thigh were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board remands the appeal for a VA medical examination to assess the combined effects of the veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was denied as the evidence did not support a grant of service connection prior to July 19, 2002.

The appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA scar examination and examinations of the veteran's hips and abdominal muscles.

The veteran's initial ratings for pseudofolliculitis barbae and status post epigastric hernia scar were denied as the evidence did not support a compensable rating under the applicable criteria.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of the right fifth metacarpal status post open reduction internal fixation were rated at 20 percent from April 5, 2005. The rating was based on a mild disability picture.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied due to the lack of evidence supporting a current disability or sufficient in-service incurrence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for residuals of shrapnel wounds, superficial scars on the right elbow and right patella.

The Board denied entitlement to separate, compensable evaluations for residual scars of the left thigh and leg, due to a grenade explosion.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and knee conditions, render him unemployable.

The February 1973 rating decision that granted service connection for scars and residuals of a shell fragment wound to the left elbow, and scars and residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right forearm and wrist with sensory neuropathy of digital branch of the right radial nerve to thumb was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The veteran's claims for increased ratings were also denied.

The veteran is not entitled to service connection for a mental disorder, but he is entitled to an earlier effective date of August 23, 1990, for the grant of service connection for a left middle finger scar.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development, including scheduling a video conference hearing.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings were denied as the evidence did not support a compensable rating for any of his service-connected conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various scars, or an increase in severity of PTSD.

The veteran's service-connected left cheek scar does not exhibit any characteristics of disfigurement and does not cause more than slight disfigurement, thus a compensable disability evaluation is not warranted.