Scars decisions — 2013

The Board has granted service connection for a scar on the palm of the right hand. The Veteran's current right hip and back disabilities are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected left lip scar has been rated at 10 percent since January 24, 2006. The Board finds that the current rating is appropriate as there is no evidence of disfigurement or other characteristics warranting a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for liver failure and abdominal wound scarring are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of head trauma, including a scar and dementia, was denied as there is no evidence of current disability not already service-connected. The claim for left knee disability remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for head injury residuals, including a scar above the left eye, brain tumor, blurred vision, blackouts, and memory loss is denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to his in-service head injury.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination regarding the effect of his service-connected disabilities on his employability, specifically addressing his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected right thigh and hip disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death from splenic rupture. The VA medical expert opinion concluded that neither condition caused or contributed substantially to the fall resulting in the splenic rupture.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residual headaches from a head injury sustained in service is granted. The issue of service connection for residual scars from the same head injury is also addressed and found to be supported by evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including post concussion syndrome with headaches and dizziness, disfiguring forehead scarring, PTSD, and left knee disability, do not render him unemployable due to their combined effect.

The Veteran's scar residual of right inguinal hernia repair has been rated at 10 percent since October 31, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were addressed in the December 2009 Board decision, with some issues remanded to the RO/AMC. The initial compensable rating for a right knee surgical scar residual has been granted, and an increased rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease was assigned.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current residual head injury scar or low back disorder to his military service, including an in-service fall. The Board determined that both conditions are more likely age and activity-related.

The Veteran's appeals for the initial disability ratings of uterine fibroids, hypertension, residual scarring from caesarian section, and hypothyroidism have been withdrawn.

The Veteran is seeking a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an opinion regarding the impact of his service-connected conditions on his employability, is necessary.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a below-the-knee amputation of his left leg, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and other residuals from military service, render him unemployable due to the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful occupation as of January 3, 2007. Effective date of January 3, 2007 is granted for the establishment of TDIU benefits and Chapter 35 benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying his reserve service.

The Veteran's appeal seeking a rating greater in excess of 50 percent for an adjustment disorder with depressed mood is dismissed as the RO received notification from her private attorney that she wishes to withdraw her appeal.

The Veteran's right femoral neuropathy is rated at 20 percent prior to October 4, 2010 and 30 percent since. The residual scarring of the right thigh is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's CVID and whether any current lung conditions are related to his military service. The case is therefore being remanded for further action.