Scars decisions — 2013

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has granted a maximum 50 percent rating for migraines. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is remanded due to the complexity of the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his service-connected low back strain with degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, residuals of right ankle fracture with decreased range of motion and scar, and left thigh meralgia paresthetica.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on his service-connected right knee conditions have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's pilonidal cyst and associated scars are rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, with no additional compensable ratings granted.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of hypertension during service or within one year thereafter, and the Veteran's scar above his left eye was incurred in active service. The claim for hypertension is denied as there is no current diagnosis of hypertension. The claim for a scar above the left eye is granted.

The Board found no evidence of burn scars or an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) incurred in service and denied both claims.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 1, 1994 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claims of increased disability ratings and earlier effective date for DEA are remanded pending further development.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD, service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, gall bladder disorder, liver disorder, and residuals of a miscarriage are being remanded due to the need for additional development. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is set at July 11, 2005.

The Board has determined that diabetes, presumed to be due to exposure to herbicide agents in service, contributed to the Veteran's death from pulmonary embolism. As such, the criteria for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death have been met.

The Veteran's inactive pulmonary tuberculosis with a tender thoracotomy scar has been rated at 30 percent since April 18, 2012. Prior to that date, the rating was 60 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claims for heart and bladder conditions are denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his in-service appendectomy. The residual scar from the appendectomy has been established.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand has been reopened and granted. The Board finds that there is sufficient evidence to establish a current disability, as indicated by medical records showing carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board also found that the Veteran's current condition is related to his period of service.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for complications resulting from a March 17, 1987 cardiac catheterization and surgical repair at a VA medical facility. The case has been remanded to obtain additional records and provide the Veteran with an updated VA examination.

The Veteran is seeking a temporary total disability rating due to pregnancy affecting her service-connected disabilities. The case has been remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. B at Flower Hospital.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of a left shoulder injury related to service or a service-connected disability, and her major depressive disorder was incurred in service. The peripheral arterial occlusive disease of right thigh with scar is not related to service or a service-connected disability. The initial rating for the right shoulder strain remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations.,A 10 percent rating is granted for residuals of a right ankle chip fracture, as the evidence shows painful motion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his left shoulder disability and residual scar, do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's postoperative residuals, fracture of the left fourth and fifth metacarpals with surgical scar, do not approximate amputation of the applicable fingers. The residual scar is 1.5 inches long, not tender, not unstable, and does not limit hand function.