Scars decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating in most cases, except for left lower extremity paresthesia which met the criteria for a separate 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for daily personal needs without regular assistance from others or to protect himself from the hazards and dangers of his daily environment, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at a private hospital in Kentucky due to a motorcycle accident is granted, as the treatment was necessary and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Veteran's service-connected appendectomy scar is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum under current rating criteria. The Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeals were denied as his service-connected conditions did not warrant higher initial disability ratings. The Board found that the current evaluations under the applicable diagnostic codes adequately reflected the severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected tropical lung disease and his current emphysema.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities, rated at a combined 70 percent disabling, preclude her from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment. As such, TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including scarlet fever residuals and heart disease, are denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted, and the increased rating for his left eye disability remains at 40 percent.

The Board granted a 10 percent initial rating for facial scars, effective October 6, 1997. The Veteran's service-connected facial scars are manifested by only one characteristic of disfigurement and no more than moderate scarring.

The Veteran's appendectomy scar is not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's skin disorders rating schedule, and therefore his claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The denial of the cervical spine, respiratory, and lumbar spine disabilities is pending in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran is seeking a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, but the case has been remanded for additional medical examination to determine if these conditions alone are sufficient to prevent him from pursuing substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an ulcer disorder and a scar of the throat were denied, while his claim for an initial compensable evaluation for left index finger scar was granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and higher ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his shrapnel scars.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, characterized by painful limited motion without limitation of extension to 15 degrees or more, without limitation of flexion to less than 45 degrees, and without recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not warrant an increased evaluation as they are currently evaluated as noncompensable.