Scars decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on three separate issues have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left knee degenerative joint disease and right knee scar was granted, with a rating of 10 percent assigned for the right knee scar.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant waiving his right to have VA wait a minimum of 30 days before certifying his appeal to the Board and requesting to cancel an appointment in Washington, D.C.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The case is therefore REMANDED for further action.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of an injury to the right eye. The Board finds that the Veteran's corneal limbal scar in the right eye and iridectomy are related to active service.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities, including limited flexion of the left knee and a mood disorder, do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased evaluation, and compensation for his scars are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for a scar of the right ring finger prior to May 11, 2011 was granted. From May 11, 2011, he is entitled to an evaluation above 10 percent for his superficial laceration of the right ring finger with hyperesthesia of the tip of the right ring finger.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The conditions claimed are currently rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 23, 2008 for a 20% rating for left knee scars was denied. The right knee disability claim was reopened based on new and material evidence received since the May 2007 decision.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his burn scar to the right upper forearm was granted, and he is now rated at 30%.

The Veteran's service-connected ventral hernia does not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, as his combined disability rating is less than the threshold required for TDIU under VA regulations.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current skin disorders are not related to his active military service and did not arise due to herbicide exposure. The Board found no evidence of a connection between the Veteran's in-service sun exposure and his current conditions.

The Veteran's residual scar, status post umbilical hernia repair is rated as noncompensable due to its small size and lack of functional impairment or pain.