Scars decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of all remaining issues on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.,Service connection has been granted for a bowel disorder (chronic constipation), but it does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's right foot disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and his left foot disability has been granted a 10 percent rating. The Veteran does not have a bilateral knee disability related to service-connected foot disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and well-healed scar on the lip did not meet the schedular requirements for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service connected disorders prior to October 25, 2006.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and denied his claim for service connection for PTSD. The case regarding an increased rating for the scar was also addressed, but as it is related to another issue on appeal, it is referred back to the RO.

The Board has determined that there is no credible evidence of a head injury or scars during the appellant's period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in 1978, and thus service connection cannot be established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disability, including facial scarring, cystic acne, and folliculitis, manifested during service and is related to his active duty. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was remanded due to inadequate opinions regarding all his service-connected disabilities. The case is now being remanded for another examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer and multiple cancers, do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to March 7, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left leg stab wound, including a scar, has been reopened and granted. The Board also found that the Veteran incurred bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have contributed substantially or materially to his death, leading to dementia and ultimately renal failure. The claim of entitlement to DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as moot due to the grant of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's bilateral thigh donor scars are stable, painful, and do not cause limitation of motion. The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for each scar.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluation of residual scar on the left index finger has been granted.,The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on her symptoms or medical evidence provided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, PTSD, two facial scars, left and right knee conditions, and neuropathy of the upper extremities, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a left leg disorder and a higher rating for his right knee degenerative arthritis were both denied by the Board.

The Veteran's service-connected chin scar, which was initially granted in May 2008 with a noncompensable evaluation, is now rated at 10 percent effective from July 19, 2007.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the appellant's claims, including obtaining medical records and opinions regarding the cause of death and whether VA care caused or contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, but may be eligible for an extraschedular rating due to his unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and the acquisition of vocational rehabilitation records.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether any of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his death. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.