Scars Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not contribute to his death, and thus denied both the cause of death claim and the DIC claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's scars have been rated at 10 percent since May 14, 2009. The current rating is appropriate given the size and nature of his scars.

The Veteran's left wrist ganglionectomy scar, low back strain with mechanical low back pain and an enlarged L5 transverse process from October 30, 2002, and his left eye pterygium from September 30, 2002 were all denied as the conditions did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board found no CUE in the prior rating decisions denying a TDIU, as there was insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing or maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for skin cancer (malignant melanoma), status post skin graft with scar was denied as there is no indication that he filed a claim to reopen prior to May 8, 2003.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was denied as his combined disability rating is less than the threshold requirements for TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for compensable ratings and effective dates have been denied. The Board found that the service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected right thigh shrapnel wound residual scar, eligibility for nonservice-connected pension benefits, and entitlement to a total disability rating for compensation on the basis of individual unemployability. The appeals are all denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for hernia scarring was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for any of the applicable diagnostic codes.,For his left ankle disability, the Veteran's initial claim for an evaluation greater than 10 percent was also denied. The VA examiner found that the disability met the criteria for a 10 percent rating based on moderate limitation of motion due to pain.

The VA determined that the Veteran's surgical scar of the neck does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under any applicable rating code.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to February 10, 2005 for service connection are denied as there is no evidence of a claim being received within one year of discharge from active duty.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a scar above the left eye, chronic headaches, and a right foot disability was denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for scar from lipoma excision and service connection for dental condition due to lack of evidence showing a current disability or a link between the conditions and service.

The Veteran's service-connected facial scars are manifested by a nontender, 3 centimeter (cm.) well-healed linear scar with no characteristics of disfigurement or gross asymmetry of paired features. The criteria for entitlement to a compensable evaluation have not been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities do not warrant a higher disability rating based on current evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for residuals of a right hand scar is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic acquired eye disorder, including dry eye syndrome and meibomian gland dysfunction, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board also found no evidence of a relationship between his service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus and these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected scars have been evaluated as non-compensable. The Board found no evidence of deep, unstable, or painful scars that would warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations have been denied. The VA has determined that the current ratings are appropriate based on the severity of his service-connected conditions.