Scars decisions — 2010

The Veteran seeks service connection for a scar and neck disability, both related to shell fragment wounds sustained during active duty. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the relationship of these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the basic eligibility criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment, nor does his home require special adaptations based on his current level of disability.

The Board is remanding the case to provide VCAA notice and for further development before deciding the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable disability evaluation for scar, left thigh and service connection for heart disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical services provided at Maine Medical Center from May 4, 2007 to May 10, 2007 is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right corneal scarring with decreased visual acuity is a result of an in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's Cesarean section residual scar is well-healed, and manifested by occasional itching and intermittent subjective reports of pain. However, the scars were not found to be painful on examination at any time during the appeal period.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and PTE substantially contributed to his death, resulting in a left hip fracture which was listed as a contributory cause of death.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and tinea cruris have not been shown to meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records from the Morgantown Vet Center and Clarksburg VA Medical Center, arranging for a VA PTSD examination, and providing a VA general medical examination. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are considered in determining his eligibility for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of appendicitis, pneumonia or its residuals, and a respiratory disorder other than pneumonia have been denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are pending. Additional medical examination and/or treatment records may be needed to determine the relationship between any current hearing or tinnitus disorders and his in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's scar, status post melanocytic nevus, left scapula was not tender on examination and did not cause any limitation of motion. Therefore, the initial compensable rating for this condition is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and residuals of a head injury, but denied his claim for service connection for bilateral shoulder condition. The rating assigned is 10% for the lower back disability.

The Board found that the January 28, 2003 rating decision did not contain error in its application of the relevant regulations and denied a higher disability rating for right arm shrapnel scars. The Veteran's claim for retroactive additional compensation for dependent children was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of loss of use of both lower extremities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current cardiovascular disability. The claims will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected corneal scars are not optically significant and do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent. The disability alone does not preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.