Scars decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and other conditions, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's scar of the left cheek is currently rated as 10 percent disabling since September 10, 2014. The VA determined that it met the criteria for a 10 percent disability rating based on slight depression on palpation.

The Veteran's scar on the left tibia is stable, not painful, and covers an area of less than 39 square centimeters. Therefore, a compensable rating cannot be assigned.

The Veteran's scar on the back was found to be related to service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities and therefore, does not meet the criteria for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The hearing loss claim was not granted, the wrist disability and wrist scar claims resulted in noncompensable ratings, and the ankle condition claims remained denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of cluster headaches and that there is no medical evidence linking tension or migraine headaches to his service-connected corneal scar. The Board denied both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders his vocational goal infeasible for continued vocational rehabilitation and training.

The Veteran's service-connected gunshot wound, right scapular region with residual scar adherent to muscle groups III and IV with associated weakness of muscles with retained foreign body is currently rated at 20 percent for moderate disability of muscle group III. The Board finds that a separate 10 percent rating, but no higher, is warranted based on moderate disability of muscle group IV.

The Board found no CUE in the October 1971 and November 1974 rating decisions regarding the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Veteran's painful scar on his right thigh is related to his service-connected right femur injury.,The Veteran has a gastrointestinal disorder, likely irritable colon syndrome, which may be presumed due to his Gulf War service.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches were granted, and his right ring finger fracture residuals and scar are rated at the minimum levels.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD and post-operative scar has been evaluated as 10 percent disabling since June 21, 2010. The Board finds that the disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are so severe that they preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment since August 15, 2003.

The Veteran's claims have been granted, with a rating of 30 percent for his left forearm muscle injury and an initial compensable rating for his left forearm scarring. The upper left ulnar nerve neuropathy is rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues and the Veteran's request for a hearing. The claims of service connection for left knee surgery, left knee surgical scars, restless leg syndrome, and migraines are still pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his PTSD, tinnitus and headaches, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for scars of the head, face and neck was granted with a combined 40 percent rating effective from April 25, 2012. The claim for service connection for loss of teeth (secondary to septoturbinoplasty) was denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus warrants a compensable rating of 10 percent.,For his left and right knee disabilities, the current ratings of 30 percent are denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.