Scars decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected tender scar, left foot is being remanded due to the need for additional development and compliance with previous remand orders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation during the appellate period from May 30, 2008 to June 22, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cholecystectomy with residual scar is manifested by mild symptoms and does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The issues of depression, nerve damage, liver condition, tuberculosis, and scars of the right eye, neck, and head were not pursued further as the appellant withdrew these claims.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a jaw condition and denied service connection for the Veteran's claim. The Board also determined that there was insufficient evidence to link any scar to his military service, leading to denial of service connection for the scar.

The Veteran's GSW scar residuals are rated at 10 percent, and his muscle injury (MG XX) residuals of the right posterior chest wall GSW warrant a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death due to esophageal cancer. His total disability rating was granted based on the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's total right knee replacement has been rated at 60 percent since December 1, 2008. The Board finds that the current rating is appropriate based on his symptoms and residuals.

The Board finds that the Veteran is not entitled to an initial compensable rating for his service-connected residual scarring from a stab wound to the back as there is no evidence showing it is superficial and painful on examination, or unstable.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial compensable rating for a right hand scar associated with his service-connected right long finger extensor tendon laceration were denied. The RO granted the Veteran a noncompensable disability rating for the scar.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to May 9, 2011 is being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence regarding his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, singly or in combination, do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining any form of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding his service connection claim for a burn scar to the left side of his face, leaving no issues for further consideration.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened and a rating of 10 percent was granted. His service-connected scars, right arm and right breast, were also rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea has not been established, but he is service connected for residual scarring from UPPP. The Board finds the criteria for service connection have not been met for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for fatigue and weight gain are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service or service-connected conditions.,Service connection for the scar, residual of excision of squamous cell carcinoma, is granted on a direct basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, right ankle scars, capsulitis of the right ankle, low back strain and hepatitis C, do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to their combined effect.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current eye disabilities are not related to his military service and have ruled in favor of denying both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and status post umbilical hernia repair with residual scar.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased rating were denied as there was no unadjudicated claim prior to the June 8, 2009 filing of his current claims.