Scars decisions — 2009

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for hernia scarring was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for any of the applicable diagnostic codes.,For his left ankle disability, the Veteran's initial claim for an evaluation greater than 10 percent was also denied. The VA examiner found that the disability met the criteria for a 10 percent rating based on moderate limitation of motion due to pain.

The VA determined that the Veteran's surgical scar of the neck does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under any applicable rating code.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to February 10, 2005 for service connection are denied as there is no evidence of a claim being received within one year of discharge from active duty.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a scar above the left eye, chronic headaches, and a right foot disability was denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for scar from lipoma excision and service connection for dental condition due to lack of evidence showing a current disability or a link between the conditions and service.

The Veteran's service-connected facial scars are manifested by a nontender, 3 centimeter (cm.) well-healed linear scar with no characteristics of disfigurement or gross asymmetry of paired features. The criteria for entitlement to a compensable evaluation have not been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities do not warrant a higher disability rating based on current evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for residuals of a right hand scar is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic acquired eye disorder, including dry eye syndrome and meibomian gland dysfunction, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board also found no evidence of a relationship between his service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus and these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected scars have been evaluated as non-compensable. The Board found no evidence of deep, unstable, or painful scars that would warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations have been denied. The VA has determined that the current ratings are appropriate based on the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for TDIU, Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits, and a 40 percent evaluation for left knee disorder are denied as there is no evidence of unemployability or disability prior to the assigned effective dates.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and an initial compensable evaluation for his service-connected conditions were denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence was against the Veteran's claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, thus granting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's pilonidal cyst scar and associated peripheral neuropathy have been evaluated at 20 percent since the claim was filed. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right scapular instability, status post serratus palsy, post-operative flexor tendon transplant of the right thumb, and scar of the forehead, do not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating due to their combined disability rating of 50 percent. The Board found that the Veteran is not unemployable solely due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residual scars of the right leg are due to an injury sustained during military service and affords the full benefit of doubt in his favor, granting him service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's death was caused by suicide due to chronic pain from his service-connected disabilities, and he meets the criteria for service connection for cause of death. The appellant is also eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal, and the case is dismissed.