Scars decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected non-scar residuals of a fasciotomy of the left forearm do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for mechanical low back pain with herniated disc at L3-L5, L6-S1, with nerve root compression was denied as the disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating.,The reduction of the 10 percent rating to noncompensable for left index finger scar with distal interphalangeal joint deformity was upheld.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). As such, all remaining appeals have been dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for a right forehead scar and assigned a noncompensable rating, effective from March 31, 2008. The Veteran's scar is painful but does not cause any functional limitations.

The Veteran's service-connected right (major) distal humeral compound fracture residuals with biceps muscle involvement and scar residuals are productive of no more than moderately severe impairment of Muscle Group V, resulting in a denial of the claim for an increased rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities, as he did not meet the statutory criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the combined effects of all his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's left eye macular scarring resulted in blindness in the affected eye, with only light perception remaining. The current rating of 20% is appropriate given his condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left inguinal hernia with scar.

The Veteran meets the threshold criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, with multiple conditions bringing his combined rating to 90 percent. The evidence shows that he is unable to work based solely on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's laparotomy scar has not met the criteria for a compensable rating since February 23, 2009.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an episiotomy scar. The RO denied her claim as the condition had not been diagnosed, but she reported presence of scar tissue from the episiotomy in August 2006. Additional development is needed to determine if the episiotomy scar is related to her son's birth and to obtain her service treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new examination of his skin condition and issuance of a statement of the case regarding service connection for a vision disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his scar, bone graft, right elbow was granted. The appeal for TDIU was withdrawn by the Veteran prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and examination, particularly regarding peripheral neuropathy of the feet.

The Veteran's claim for higher evaluations for his right ankle scar and limitation of motion were denied as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's right eye angle recession glaucoma, scarring, visual field defect with amblyopia and open angle glaucoma of the left eye is currently rated at 40 percent. The Board finds that his condition does not warrant a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU benefits is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his employability and the impact of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's postoperative scars status post fracture of the distal right fibula were not manifested by a deep scar, a superficial scar exceeding an area of 144 square inches (926 square centimeters) or greater, a superficial unstable scar, a superficial painful scar, or a scar manifested by limitation of function prior to August 6, 2008. Since December 1, 2008, the postoperative scars status post fracture of the distal right fibula have been manifested by a deep scar of an area exceeding 12 square inches (77 square centimeters), but not by a superficial scar exceeding an area of 144 square inches (926 square centimeters) or greater, a superficial unstable scar, a superficial painful scar, or a scar manifested by limitation of function. The Veteran's postoperative scar status post fracture of the right first metacarpal has been manifested by a superficial scar that is slightly sensitive to the touch since February 22, 2011.,The criteria for a compensable disability rating for the postoperative scars status post fracture of the distal right fibula prior to August 6, 2008 have not been met. With resolution of reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor, the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating, but no higher, for the postoperative scars status post fracture of the distal right fibula since December 1, 2008, have been met.,The criteria for a compensable disability rating for the postoperative scar status post fracture of the right first metacarpal prior to February 22, 2011 have not been met. Resolving all doubt in the Veteran's favor, the criteria for a 10 percent disability rating, but no higher, for the postoperative scar status post fracture of the right first metacarpal since February 22, 2011, have been met.