Scars decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a gallbladder disorder is denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for appendectomy scars prior to October 23, 2008 is granted and rated at 20 percent effective from that date. However, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for appendectomy scars beginning on and after October 23, 2008 is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected chorioretinal scar of the left eye results in best-corrected vision of 20/800 (cf at 10") and finger count vision in the right eye, which is not considered a serious cosmetic defect. The VA has assigned the maximum schedular rating for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the effective date assigned for a separate 10 percent rating for left forearm scars was denied as he did not file a timely notice of disagreement.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant requesting withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of her service-connected disabilities on her employability.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU benefits is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral DDD and DJD is granted, with a current disability rating of 20 percent. The claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right (major) distal humeral compound fracture residuals with biceps muscle involvement and scar residuals under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. � 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5305 was granted by the Board in May 2006, but the RO increased it to 30 percent effective May 29, 2002.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for a right cornea scar was denied. The VA determined that the current rating of 10 percent is appropriate based on his visual acuity.

The Veteran's scars of the face were rated at 10 percent prior to April 21, 2010 and at 30 percent since that date. The Board found no evidence meeting criteria for a higher rating.,There was some loss of pigmentation around his eyes but no loss of skin function or texture. Since April 21, 2010, the Veteran's ears seemed to be somewhat atrophic and this condition extended on the anterior neck and down to the sterna notch.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected disabilities are being remanded to obtain updated VA examinations and additional medical records.

The Veteran's abdominal scars are rated at a compensable level, and his PTSD is service-connected. However, the reduction in his PTSD disability evaluation from 50% to zero percent was not proper.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for right knee scars was denied. The VA examiner found the scars to be well-healed and not deep or causing limitation of motion.

The Board determined that the Veteran's claimed residuals of a head injury are not related to his period of active service and denied the claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of shell fragment wounds to the right thigh is denied as his disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation. The claim for a separate compensable rating for residual scar from SFW to the right thigh is granted, and the claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residual scar from shell fragment wound in the right scapular area is withdrawn.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The combined disability rating is 60% from June 20, 2002, and 100% from July 11, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional VA examinations to determine the current severity of his right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, right elbow epicondylitis, and residuals of right thigh lipoma scar.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to missing service records and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations and proper VCAA notice.

The Veteran's left knee disability, which includes a history of ACL reconstruction and residual scar, is currently rated at 20 percent. The VA has determined that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his condition based on symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and limitation of motion without instability or subluxation.