Scars decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected appendectomy residuals and scarring do not result in any functional limitation, thus preventing a compensable rating.,The Veteran's service-connected ovarian cystectomies are currently rated as noncompensable due to the lack of continuous treatment requirements. The VA examiner did not find evidence linking her current abdominal pain to her service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service-connected scars as residuals of a laparotomy are currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under current criteria. The RO has not granted any higher ratings for these scars.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the issues related to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been denied. The Board also found that the Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, but as the appeal is not about service connection at all, it remains pending.

The Veteran's scar on his left forearm, which is a residual of a shell fragment wound sustained in combat, has been consistently painful and was awarded a 10 percent evaluation since December 23, 2005.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected left rectus femoris muscle disability warrants a 30 percent rating, as it more nearly approximates a moderately severe muscle disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service records and medical records. The Veteran's claims for psychiatric, skin, hearing loss, low back, hip, and knee disorders are also being reviewed.

The Veteran's PTSD with generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 30 percent, effective January 27, 2005. The residual scar from the left groin area has been found to be superficial and stable, not causing any functional limitation or pain.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including the total knee replacement and associated scar, is currently rated at 60 percent. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral foot disabilities are denied. The claim for an increased rating for right hand neuropathy with scarring is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his right fifth finger scar is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for the issues of service connection for right eye, giant cell conjunctivitis; left eye, giant cell conjunctivitis; allergies, hay fever; asbestos exposure; ionizing radiation exposure; contusion on the left thigh; left buttock contusion with hematoma; TMJ syndrome; closed head injury (claimed as left head injury); left ear pain; left forearm rash; pseudofolliculitis barbae; left finger injury (claimed as cut and scar); sinus bradycardia; exposure to smoke; exposure to JP4 (jet fuel); and a left femur fracture. The claim for service connection based on RF radiation exposure is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require a higher level of care, necessitating hospitalization or nursing home care. The RO must arrange for an aid and attendance evaluation to determine if the Veteran requires such care.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a clarifying medical opinion regarding the combined effect of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and scarring of the buttocks are remanded due to incomplete service records, requiring further investigation and possible VA examination.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected right knee scar was denied. The RO granted a 20 percent disability rating effective July 20, 2010, but the Board found that this did not warrant an increased rating under any applicable criteria.

The Veteran's scar residuals have not met the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent at any point during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that additional notification and evidentiary development are required before the issue of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death can be decided.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a skin rash disorder, including jungle rot and scarlet fever, as well as multi-nodular neck goiter. The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical records and provide the Veteran with appropriate VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD and left ankle conditions, meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU due to their combined effect on his ability to work.