Scars decisions — 2008

The veteran's cervical spine disorder was rated at 20 percent for the period beginning on February 20, 2003, and an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for a scar of the anterior portion of the neck associated with the cervical spine disorder was not granted.

The appeal as to claims for higher initial ratings for the veteran's service-connected disabilities was denied on jurisdictional grounds due to a lack of timely substantive appeal.

The veteran's service connection claim for a scar of the right deltoid region was granted, while his claim for a disability of the right shoulder and arm (other than a scar in the right deltoid region) was denied.

The Board granted a 10 percent evaluation for meralgia paresthetica with limitation of function of the left hip, but denied an increased evaluation greater than 10 percent for the left buttock scar.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a throat and neck injury, including retropharyngeal abscess manifested by mild dysphonia, as well as for residual surgical neck scarring. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a direct link between these conditions and the veteran's period of active service.

The veteran's claims for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 are being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Board denied a rating higher than 30 percent for the veteran's left eye corneal scar with cataract and refractive error, finding that the current 30 percent rating is the maximum allowed under VA disability rating criteria.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and PTSD, and did not assign a disability rating for the right eye corneal scar as it was found to be noncompensable.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his healed scar, left eye, post-iridectomy for prolapse of the iris through corneal laceration with cataract formation, finding that there was no evidence showing visual acuity or aphakia warranting a compensable evaluation.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected right thigh donor site scar, effective as of the date of the decision.

The Board has granted service connection for a chronic low back disorder and denied service connection for a right hip scar.

The veteran's service-connected surgical scar with neuroma affecting the supraspinatus nerve of the left shoulder and C5 radiculopathy is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the case.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including decreased visual acuity due to refractive error and other conditions not shown in service or related thereto.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right eye disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support ratings higher than the current 20 percent and 10 percent assigned.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his tender abdominal scar did not warrant a compensable evaluation prior to November 16, 2004, or an evaluation in excess of 10 percent as of that date. The Board also found no evidence supporting the veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, or nerve damage of the left leg.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of bilateral eye injury and facial injuries are denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claim for financial assistance in the purchase of special adaptive housing or a special home adaptation grant is denied as he does not have loss of use of one or both lower extremities due to service-connected disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating for thoracotomy scar, service connection for cancerous tumors of the lungs, and service connection for hepatitis C. The veteran withdrew his appeal for a compensable rating for a thoracotomy scar at the July 2007 personal hearing.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant due to his inability to walk without assistance and the lack of structural adaptations needed in his home.