Scars decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected left ring finger disability is rated as a 10% for painful arthritis, and diabetes mellitus type II is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure. The claim for an eye disorder secondary to diabetes mellitus was remanded.

The Board denied an initial compensable rating for the service-connected corneal scar of the left eye, finding that since October 17, 2008, the disability has not met the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service treatment records and the need for a VA examination regarding the Veteran's back condition.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, resulting in a 50% disability rating. The Board also found that she is not unemployable due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches and seborrheic dermatitis, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to their severity.

The Veteran requested to withdraw the appeal, and as a result, the Board has dismissed the case.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for surgical scar, medial joint of the right first metatarsal and entitlement to a TDIU are being remanded due to scheduling issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims due to the submission of new evidence since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for additional VA educational assistance benefits beyond 48 months, finding that she does not satisfy the exception for additional education benefits beyond the maximum due to her employment in a suitable position.

The Veteran's surgical scar from laparoscopic surgery is currently rated at 10 percent, effective February 27, 2014. Her migraine headaches are currently rated at 50 percent, and her hypothyroidism is currently rated at 100 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected status post ORIF bilateral radial diaphyseal fractures with residual scars are rated at 10 percent from April 2, 2010, and the Board affirms this rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the submission of new evidence. The AOJ will consider this evidence and issue a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of the conditions, including right hand scars, left hip scar, chin scar, and knee conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, as well as other conditions, have been considered. The claim for a compensable rating for residuals of a left elbow injury is granted, with an effective date to be determined based on further review. Service connection for varicose veins was denied previously. Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for dental issues has also been addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected residual scarring due to wart removal of the left and right feet do not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to address the residuals of small intestine resection with scarred duodenal bulb, including pancreatitis and a tender laparotomy scar. The claim will also be readjudicated to include service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing due to his request. The main issues are whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for traumatic brain injury, including scars over the right eye, and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected scars, including a painful right leg lipoma and left foot scar, were not found to be more than superficial or limited in motion from December 30, 2005 to March 15, 2012. Since March 16, 2012, the Veteran's service-connected scars have been rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae is being remanded due to unclear severity of the condition and conflicting medical evidence regarding scars outside the bearded area. The case will be reviewed again after obtaining additional treatment records and conducting further examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease and PTSD, do not preclude him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.