Scars decisions — 2010

The Veteran's scar, post-laproscopic repair for lysis of adhesions and appendectomy, is rated at a 10 percent disability rating since the effective date of service connection in January 2004.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis and gunshot wound scar of the left calf are currently rated at their maximum levels, with no additional compensation available.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease that could be linked to his current conditions.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine the Veteran's need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, as well as his eligibility for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grants.

The VA denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the appellant's service-connected scarring, status post laceration of the right hand.

The Board has granted service connection for a scar at the interdigital web space between the thumb and index finger of the left hand, as well as residual hypothenar atrophy. Service connection was denied for a low back disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The initial compensable rating for the scar on the vertex of the head was not granted, while higher PTSD ratings were denied.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for increased ratings and service connection, including a request to reopen a previously denied claim. The case is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 40 percent, which does not meet the threshold criteria for a TDIU. The evidence does not reflect that he is unemployable due to these conditions.

The Veteran's cause of death was not caused by or substantially contributed to by a service-connected disability. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD did not contribute to his death, and even if his pulmonary condition did contribute, it was not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination to assess his employability given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left femur scar is rated at 10 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating as there was no evidence of muscle atrophy or significant functional impairment.

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

The Veteran's tearing of the right eye is found to be secondary to his service-connected right brow scar. The left foot disability has been granted an initial compensable rating (10%) prior to January 14, 2000.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the December 1997 rating decision that granted service connection for an appendectomy scar, resulting in a noncompensable rating. The Veteran's claim of CUE was denied.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for left and right foot dermatitis, as well as hidradenitis suppurativa status post surgical ablation of bilateral axillary areas with residual scarring (claimed as lymphadenopathy), are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the severity of her skin disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal regarding his claim for PTSD. The claims of service connection for facial scars, headaches, and dental disability (claimed as residuals of a fractured jaw) have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board found that the appellant's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board found that the Veteran's acne did not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's right thumb scar residuals have not met the criteria for a higher evaluation since October 23, 2008.