Scars decisions — 2011

The Veteran is seeking TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The Board has determined that an updated VA examination and records are needed to fully evaluate the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with depression and multiple amputations, have rendered him unable to use his arms at or above the elbow. As a result, he meets the criteria for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for scars and lacerations on the left hand is being remanded due to additional development needed, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis, deviated septum, and scarring of the right tympanic membrane are not supported by the evidence of record. The Veteran's conditions have been diagnosed but do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for obsessive compulsive disorder effective from December 11, 2006. The Veteran's earlier claim was denied in the past due to lack of evidence at that time, and now there is sufficient evidence to grant service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded to allow for further development of the record, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling him with a VA examination to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for loss of teeth and disfiguring scars of the inferior lip was granted, with a 40 percent rating assigned for loss of teeth numbers 2-27 and pyorrhea, and a 10 percent rating assigned for disfiguring scars of the inferior lip. The TDIU claim is not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for skin cancer and lung scarring, so the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is currently at 60 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current facial scarring due to a gunshot wound and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claim of secondary service connection for hypertension as related to diabetes mellitus, type 2, was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 12, 2006. His TDIU claim is granted for this period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a disorder manifested by internal bleeding, and residuals of a right wrist injury are pending. The claim for restoration of a 100% rating for residuals of ulcerative colitis, post-ileostomy reversal and closure is denied. The claim for increased rating for hemorrhoids is denied. The claim for compensable rating for scars due to abdominal surgery remains non-compensable.

The Board has determined that residuals of a right knee injury, status-post medial meniscectomy and patelloplasty, with post-traumatic degenerative arthritis, had its onset in service. The Veteran's current surgical scar is also found to be related to his active service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, and therefore DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected surgical scar, status post cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal) with epigastric hernia repair is currently rated at 10 percent and the appeal for a higher rating has been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found insufficient evidence to support the claims and concluded that there was no direct relationship between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran has a scar on the left knee that is as likely as not related to an in-service shrapnel wound. The Veteran does not have an orthopedic disability involving the left knee that is attributable to service or to include service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 13, 2007 for a 20 percent evaluation for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right arm was granted.,A compensable rating for scar, residual of a gunshot wound to the right arm was also granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for scars of the left forearm has been granted. The remaining issues have been remanded to obtain additional medical records and determine if the Veteran's current conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals on several issues, including those related to scars, knee conditions, and secondary service connection claims. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to consider these claims.