Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including high frequency hearing loss, PTSD, neck scar, and tinnitus, do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that TDIU is denied.

The VA determined that the appellant's laceration scars of right anterior scalp and left anterior scalp are painful but do not meet criteria for a higher rating, maintaining the current 10 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, right fourth toe fracture, and postoperative excision of lesion scar of the left chest were denied. The claim for TDIU was not addressed as it is part of a higher rating claim.

The Board has granted service connection for a scar on the palm of the right hand. The Veteran's current right hip and back disabilities are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected left lip scar has been rated at 10 percent since January 24, 2006. The Board finds that the current rating is appropriate as there is no evidence of disfigurement or other characteristics warranting a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for liver failure and abdominal wound scarring are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of head trauma, including a scar and dementia, was denied as there is no evidence of current disability not already service-connected. The claim for left knee disability remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for head injury residuals, including a scar above the left eye, brain tumor, blurred vision, blackouts, and memory loss is denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to his in-service head injury.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination regarding the effect of his service-connected disabilities on his employability, specifically addressing his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected right thigh and hip disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death from splenic rupture. The VA medical expert opinion concluded that neither condition caused or contributed substantially to the fall resulting in the splenic rupture.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residual headaches from a head injury sustained in service is granted. The issue of service connection for residual scars from the same head injury is also addressed and found to be supported by evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including post concussion syndrome with headaches and dizziness, disfiguring forehead scarring, PTSD, and left knee disability, do not render him unemployable due to their combined effect.

The Veteran's scar residual of right inguinal hernia repair has been rated at 10 percent since October 31, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were addressed in the December 2009 Board decision, with some issues remanded to the RO/AMC. The initial compensable rating for a right knee surgical scar residual has been granted, and an increased rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease was assigned.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current residual head injury scar or low back disorder to his military service, including an in-service fall. The Board determined that both conditions are more likely age and activity-related.

The Veteran's appeals for the initial disability ratings of uterine fibroids, hypertension, residual scarring from caesarian section, and hypothyroidism have been withdrawn.

The Veteran is seeking a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an opinion regarding the impact of his service-connected conditions on his employability, is necessary.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a below-the-knee amputation of his left leg, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and other residuals from military service, render him unemployable due to the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful occupation as of January 3, 2007. Effective date of January 3, 2007 is granted for the establishment of TDIU benefits and Chapter 35 benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying his reserve service.