Scars decisions — 2010

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, postoperative scars on the back, facial scars, and GERD with hiatal hernia have all been rated at their maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Board finds that none of these conditions warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a pancreas disorder and hiatal hernia, as well as the claim to reopen his compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a hiatal hernia, were denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, an eye disorder characterized by refractive error and a temporal chorioretinal scar, and hypertension has been granted. The left foot disorder issue is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for SMP by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance of another person is denied due to his visual acuity not meeting the criteria. The claim for SMP by reason of being housebound is granted as he meets the requirements based on his age, combined disability rating, and independent ratable disabilities.

The Veteran's right shoulder bursitis and a scar from lipoma excision on his back are service-connected. The appeal for residuals of lipomas is dismissed as the Veteran does not have any such condition.

The Veteran's service-connected peripapillary scar, iridodialysis, right eye, with glaucoma and early cataract was productive of best vision from 20/80 to 20/300 which progressed to detection of hand motion and ultimately progressed to blindness with no light perception. The Veteran's service-connected condition did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to October 18, 2007, or 40 percent from October 18, 2007.

The Veteran's skin disorder and scarring are being remanded for further development, including a VA examination. Service connection for chloracne due to Agent Orange exposure is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings on multiple service-connected conditions were denied. The VA examinations and medical records did not support the requested increased ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the claimed conditions, except for post-bronchodilator FEV-1/FVC results.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to service, and his shrapnel scars on the back are rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, as they only amount to a combined disability evaluation of 60 percent. The VA examiner determined that the Veteran's hidradenitis suppurativa does not prevent him from working.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if there is a service connection for a low back disability, including a back scar. The Veteran's statements about an inservice injury and his VA medical records from St. Croix are considered in this process.