Scars decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as his right wrist disability has not prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for his right eye disability has been dismissed as he is satisfied with the current evaluations. The claim of entitlement to a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities has not met the criteria for assignment of a total rating due to unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for the issue of entitlement to a compensable initial evaluation for bilateral hearing loss. The case is now limited to the issue of service connection for scarring on both eyes/dry eyes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, prostate disability, Bell's palsy, bilateral ankle disability, and scars have been denied. The Veteran's hearing loss claim has also been denied.

The Veteran's scar on the left thigh, residual of a shrapnel wound, does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as it is currently rated at 10 percent and does not cause limitation of motion or significant muscle impairment.

The Veteran's claims for an increased disability rating and earlier effective date are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including diagnostic testing and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied, as the evidence did not show sufficient hearing loss to be considered a ratable disability. The claim for an increased rating for status post shrapnel wound with scar and residual left VIII intercostal neuritis is remanded due to the need for issuance of a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for corneal scar, right eye and an initial compensable disability rating for allergic rhinitis have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show vision of 20/50 in both eyes or greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passages on both sides, respectively. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied as there is no evidence showing his service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran is unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment due to his musculoskeletal disabilities and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with panic disorder, agoraphobia, and dysthymia.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing and addressing new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's death due to gastric carcinoma was not etiologically linked to his service or any incidents therein or his service-connected disabilities. The basic criteria for entitlement to dependency and indemnity compensation benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 have not been met.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for initial compensable ratings for skin graft of the left leg and scar of the right lower abdomen. The Board, therefore, dismisses these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability of the left foot has been reopened, and he is granted service connection.,Service connection is granted for a corneal scar of the right eye as it is presumed to be related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound of the abdomen. Further development is needed to determine if there was aggravation during service and whether current complaints are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residual scarring from stab wounds was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and the Veteran did not sustain any injuries during his active duty.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including service connection for TBI, PTSD, right ankle DJD, and cholecystectomy with residual scar. The case is being remanded to obtain additional records, conduct examinations, and review the claims file.

The Veteran's service-connected lower extremity gunshot wound disabilities, right eye aphakia with scar, and other conditions have caused him to be in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person due to his inability to walk, dress/undress, bathe, groom, toilet, and protect himself from hazardous or dangerous environmental conditions.

The Veteran's skin disabilities, including chloracne and eczema, are being remanded for a more thorough examination to determine if they are related to his service in Vietnam, specifically exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's painful scars of the abdomen and left hip have been granted a 10 percent disability rating, effective March 26, 2009.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected inguinal hernia scar and hypogonadism have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran and his representative.