Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and he did not have a pending claim for benefits at the time of his death. The claims for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 and accrued benefits are denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and the Board finds that they are not related to his military service.,The Veteran's left forearm scar does not manifest with current symptomatology.

The Veteran's left ankle scar is painful and measures 7.5 cm in length, but does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as it is not unstable or painful enough to warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 is being remanded due to insufficient rationale and explanation in the VA examination, requiring additional development including obtaining Social Security Administration records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for left hand nerve damage due to new evidence suggesting a possible relationship with an old injury in service. The rating for his scar residuals remains at 0 percent as there is no evidence of symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disability (depression), a foot disability, a skin disability, and a post-operative residual scar from excision of melanoma. The Veteran's claims were based on direct evidence rather than any presumption or secondary theory.

The Veteran's scar, residual, status post laceration, right thumb has been rated at 10 percent since May 2002. The VA examiner found the scar to be superficial and without limitation of function.

The Board found that the Veteran's December 12, 2000, special mode travel was not shown to be medically required and authorized by VA before the travel began, nor provided in connection with a medical emergency of such nature that delay would have been hazardous to his life or health. As a result, payment for the transportation expense was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and denied an increased rating for the Veteran's left knee scar.

The Veteran's service-connected right hip disorder and bilateral hand and foot paresthesia secondary to overexertion syndrome have not been shown to warrant a rating in excess of the current noncompensable ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, excluding his major depressive disorder, did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to August 10, 2005. As of that date, he is in receipt of special monthly compensation at the level of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s) and 38 C.F.R. § 3.350(i).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his right carpal ligament injury, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran seeks a higher evaluation for this condition.

The Veteran's low back disability, arthritis of the left hip, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, left ankle tendonitis, and left elbow bursitis have been granted service connection. The scar from shell fragment wounds and residuals of a shell fragment wound to the left elbow also have been granted service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a pilonidal cyst and tailbone scar, finding no current diagnosis of these conditions and insufficient evidence to establish their relationship with his military service.

The Board has determined that a rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's right shoulder disorder is warranted from April 20, 2006. The facial scar and left shoulder disorders do not meet or approximate criteria warranting higher ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder and other conditions, render him unemployable due to his cognitive impairments and physical limitations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's small 'L'-shaped scar on his face, which he contends is a residual of an in-service facial injury, meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure all relevant medical records are obtained and reviewed, and for the appellant to undergo examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal includes two issues: an increased rating for the service-connected postoperative residuals of a fractured left radius, and an increased rating for the painful scar associated with that condition. The RO granted a 10 percent disability rating for both conditions effective from February 3, 2011.