Scars decisions — 2008

The veteran's PTSD and major depression are rated at the highest possible level (70%), while his scars, disarticulation of the left hip, and hypertension are each rated at their maximum levels. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD and major depression is granted.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a skin condition to the RO. The veteran's right wrist scar and left knee disability are both currently rated at 10 percent, but his appeal is not granted in full.

The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's abdominal, chest, right biceps, and right thigh and left thigh burn scar residuals as there was no evidence of instability, pain, or limitation of motion associated with the scars.

The veteran's claims for higher special monthly compensation and reopening service connection were denied due to the lack of evidence showing a need for increased aid and attendance beyond what is provided by his existing disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disability, lumbar spine sprain, and residual scarring from surgery on the right ankle/foot do not warrant higher initial ratings. The RO granted service connection for these conditions with effective date in October 2004.

The Board found that the veteran's heart disorder, including ventricular tachycardia, and scarring of the right chest and back are not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected asbestos exposure residuals. Therefore, he is denied service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of private medical expenses for psychiatric treatment after January 1, 2003 from the Great River Trauma Counseling & Education Center is denied as prior authorization was not obtained and no emergency situation existed.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion, as well as additional development of VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that a compensable disability rating for the scar on the left cheek and service connection for the left eye disability as secondary to the scar are not warranted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the merits of the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disease and scarring in the right ankle region, including as due to Agent Orange exposure. The case is therefore REMANDED.

The Board has determined that the injuries sustained on June 21, 1986 were incurred in the line of duty and granted service connection for all claimed conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of head trauma (including an upper lip scar and a forehead scar) have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,Specifically, the VA examiner found that the veteran does not have hearing loss or tinnitus related to service. The examiner also noted that the alleged injuries resulting in scars on the upper lip and forehead were not documented in service records.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability for any of the claimed conditions and that none are related to service. Therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including sending corrective VCAA notice and obtaining VA medical records and Social Security Administration disability records. The veteran is also scheduled for a VA orthopedic examination to assess his left knee disability and an audiologic examination to assess his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The veteran's appeal is for an increased evaluation of his service-connected scars of the chin and left ear canal. The RO has been instructed to provide a VA examination, ensure all duty to assist requirements have been met, and readjudicate the claim.

The veteran's lipomas on both arms have been rated as noncompensable due to their small size and lack of functional impairment.,For the left great toe, the veteran has a current rating of 10 percent for hallux valgus. The evidence does not support a higher rating based on additional limitation of motion or deep scars.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied as there is no evidence of an earlier unadjudicated claim or increase in disability.

The veteran's gunshot wound scar of the left shoulder is rated at 10 percent from October 26, 2004 to January 15, 2005. After that date, a noncompensable rating is assigned.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation of his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for each of the veteran's service-connected scars, one on his upper left arm and one on his chest. These ratings are effective as of the date of the decision.