Scars decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hypothyroidism with scar warrants a 30 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's burn scar to the left lower extremity is currently rated at 10 percent, effective July 13, 2006. The Board finds that this rating is appropriate based on the current clinical findings and criteria.

Service connection for hair loss with scarring alopecia was denied.,A noncompensable rating for atopic eczematous dermatitis prior to July 10, 2013 was granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities, finding that none of them warranted a rating higher than 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of a postnasal fracture with scar was denied as there is no evidence showing that the current condition is related to his military service. His claim for an increased rating for allergic rhinitis remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected scars of the arms, legs and chest is being remanded due to a need for additional VA examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected residual scar from C-sections is slightly adherent to the underlying tissue and is manifested by itching and numbness. There is no evidence of functional loss, warranting a 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's left wrist disability did not meet the criteria for an extension of a temporary total rating beyond August 31, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled hearing. He has requested that the hearing be rescheduled.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied, with the exception of a 20 percent rating being granted for residuals of left shoulder sprain effective January 2007.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for residuals of an indirect left inguinal hernia, including a scar from the surgery.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the eligibility requirements for a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaption grant due to his unsteady balance and coordination issues, which are not severe enough to qualify him under VA regulations.

The Veteran has scars on the back of his neck that are residuals of a skin condition he developed during service. The Board finds these scars incurred in service and grants service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities has been denied. The Board found no evidence of current diagnosis or etiology supporting this claim. For his left eye diabetic retinopathy, the Board will need additional information and a medical opinion to determine if it is related to diabetes.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee scars and arthritis, residual right knee injury, status post surgery. The Veteran's initial ratings of 10 percent each have been upheld.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's right foot and knee conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, as well as his claim for a TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to provide addendum opinions from the July 2013 VA examiners regarding hypertension and PTSD.

The Veteran was not found to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities prior to October 2, 2008. From October 2, 2008 to September 11, 2013, the evidence showed that he was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings have been granted, with the exception of his claim for higher initial disability rating for residuals of incisional hernia repair.,His anxiety with depression and inverse psoriasis were each rated at 50 percent effective June 18, 2004.