Scars decisions — 2011

The Veteran's skin disability, characterized by acne with resultant scarring affecting the back and chest, was found to meet the criteria for a 60 percent initial rating since November 9, 2006.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee and left calf disabilities due to inadequate reasons and bases in the April 2010 decision, as well as the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disorder and left forearm scar are not service-connected due to exposure to mustard gas, but have been granted based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board finds that there is no credible evidence linking the Veteran's current cervical spine and low back disabilities to her military service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, as he did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of right wrist fracture with nontender scars was denied. The claims for service connection for PTSD, bronchitis, and various other conditions were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and renal insufficiency. The RO has not obtained all of the Veteran's private medical records from Dr. Clemis Jackson or his Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits records. These records are necessary to make a full determination on the claims.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right eye cornea scars was denied, and the earlier effective date claim for a 20 percent rating for lumbar spondylosis with limitation of motion was also denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the claims of service connection for a left eye disorder, asbestosis, left foot disorder, and upper right leg contusion and scarring. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran does not have a current kidney disability, including residuals of renal cell carcinoma and right nephrectomy. The Board finds that the Veteran's kidney cancer is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected disabilities, specifically his use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and adjudicating his claim of service connection for a heart disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected scar, status post left inguinal hernia repair is manifested by one superficial scar on the left groin that is painful on examination. The Board finds that a disability rating of 10 percent (but no higher) for this condition has been met.

The Veteran seeks VA compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for residuals of a left eye surgery, including but not limited to left eye droop. The case is being remanded due to outstanding private medical records and the need to provide VCAA notice.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic pelvic inflammatory disease with a residual surgical scar is not manifested by symptoms requiring continuous treatment, and therefore does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection are denied as the claims were received after one year from his discharge.

The Veteran's neck disorder is service-connected, but his claimed residuals of a head injury are not considered related to his military service.

The Veteran's cholecystectomy and hiatal hernia with laparoscopic surgical scar for chronic abscess cavity is productive of mild symptoms, warranting a 10% rating.

The Veteran's death was not due to willful misconduct, and he had a combined disability rating of 100% for over one year immediately preceding his death. However, the appellant did not meet any of the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for effective dates of August 18, 2007 for service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, tinnitus, and a right lower leg scar.