Scars Board decisions

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for post operative residuals of right anterior cruciate ligament repair was denied, but he was granted a separate 30 percent evaluation for ACL deficiency with instability and recurrent buckling effective March 14, 2007.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for a low back disability, bilateral knee disability, scars of the right eyelid and forehead, and right eye injury. However, it was found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for headaches.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent, as the symptoms were found to be manifested by occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings or an earlier effective date.

The veteran's claim for a separate compensable rating for the scar on his right forearm was granted, as the evidence showed that the scar is painful and covers less than 12 square inches.

The veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only was denied as the evidence did not show that he had service-connected disability resulting in loss of use of at least one foot or a hand, or permanent impairment of vision in both eyes.

The veteran's left hand disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as there is no evidence of moderate incomplete paralysis or significant limitation of motion.

The veteran is entitled to compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for keloid scars resulting from VA coronary artery bypass graft surgery in April 1999, but the claims for stomach infections and a higher rating for chronic epididymitis are remanded.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for additional development.

The veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and a compensable rating are being remanded for further development.

The Board will reconsider the claim for service connection for residuals of a back injury with associated leg pain, scars, and arthritis on the merits.

The veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant were denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the veteran.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings or a grant of service connection.

The case is remanded for further procedural and evidentiary development, including providing the veteran with notice of the evidence required to substantiate an increased disability rating claim and scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Board denied a compensable evaluation for scars and lacerations of the palm, ring finger, and middle finger on the left hand as the service-connected scars did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The veteran's superficial scarring of the face, neck and upper back as a result of chloracne is presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated during active military service including exposure to herbicides.

The veteran's left armpit scar was not incurred in or aggravated by qualifying military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, light sensitivity of the eyes, residuals of a neck injury, bilateral wrist disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral foot disability and scars on both shins were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.