Scars decisions — 2011

The Veteran's back disability, GSW residuals of the left thigh, adjustment disorder, abdominal scar, and surgical scars on the back are all rated as they currently stand without additional compensation.

The VA has granted a separate compensable evaluation of 10 percent for the right knee surgical scar, residual of a meniscectomy. The previous rating decision from March 1960 did not include this condition in the compensation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including interpretation of visual field test results by a specialist.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues on appeal include rating the left shoulder disability, rating the right foot scar, TDIU, and recoupment of severance pay.

The Veteran's appeal is for an earlier effective date for a 40 percent evaluation for his service-connected left ankle disorder, and also for TDIU. The case has been remanded to obtain additional evidence and to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for initial compensable evaluations and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected basal cell carcinoma with scar residuals, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected right ear disability and lumbar spine disability were evaluated, with the right ear disability receiving a noncompensable evaluation and the lumbar spine disability receiving a 10 percent evaluation as of May 12, 2007.

The appellant withdrew her appeal for service connection for narcolepsy, to include as secondary to a service-connected lower back disability. The TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, as well as to assess the current severity of her hypertension.

The Veteran's tinnitus and left knee scar are service-connected, but no other disability related to the left knee is found.

The Veteran's right eye disability, which was previously rated as 10 percent disabling prior to April 21, 2008, has been increased to a 30 percent rating effective from that date.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal regarding the right fourth tendon injury and fifth finger injury. The residual scar status post scalp laceration was not found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's SMC was reduced from the housebound rate to the 'K' rate for loss of use of a creative organ. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary due to the reduction in his disability rating and need for an examination to determine if he needs regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for head injury residuals is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Board hearing. Service connection claims are pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in order to fully and fairly adjudicate the Veteran's claim, including obtaining National Guard service records and a supplemental VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected ankle sprains and right shoulder disability have been withdrawn. The Board has determined that the current rating of 10 percent for the service-connected right shoulder disability is appropriate.

The Veteran seeks an initial compensable disability evaluation for a muscle scar along the left, non-dominant elbow. The RO assigned him a noncompensable disability evaluation based on a February 2008 VA joints examination. However, the Veteran contends that the examination was inadequate and should be remanded to obtain a new one with an appropriate neurological or strength assessment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause her to be in need of regular aid and attendance of another person, as evidenced by her limited mobility, inability to dress or bathe herself without assistance, and frequent need for adjustment of special prosthetic appliances. The Board finds that she meets the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

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