Scars decisions — 2010

The Veteran has scars on the right forearm, right foot and right knee that are residuals of shell fragment wounds sustained during active service. Service connection is granted for these scars.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating as they are not severe enough to prevent him from securing and following any substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's low back disability, including a post-operative scar, is service-connected. His scar near the upper lip is also service-connected. Since November 28, 2004, his irritable bowel syndrome has been rated at 30 percent. The RO must readjudicate the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability in light of these findings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not caused him to become blind or so nearly blind as to require regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding the appellant's eye sight and need for aid and attendance. The VA is instructed to obtain medical records, schedule an ophthalmology examination, and arrange a VA examination to determine if the appellant requires regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for shell fragment wound, scar of the neck was denied as the current disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for visual impairment with retinal scarring and restless leg syndrome are granted, with a rating of 10 percent for the latter condition. The Veteran's hyperplasia of the left eye is not considered to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to assess his ability to obtain substantially gainful employment given his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder and residuals of GSWs sustained during World War II contributed substantially or materially to his death, granting the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions that are attributable to her military service.

The Board denied entitlement to higher ratings for scars on the right first toe and left elbow, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's service-connected appendectomy scar is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to be sufficient for a TDIU rating, but further examination is needed to assess the impact of his PTSD on employment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a scheduling issue.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that TDIU is warranted.

The Board found that the appellant's right arm cellulitis with disfiguring scar did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent under either version of the regulations, and thus denied her claim for increased evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and personnel records from the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus with cataracts and erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and scars, render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.