Scars Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have burn scars of her left breast that may be attributable to her active service.

The veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The VA denied a higher rating for the veteran's service-connected appendectomy scar, which is currently rated at 0 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection or higher ratings for any of his claimed conditions. The appeals are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for elevated cholesterol and scarring of the left tympanic membrane, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or that service aggravated any pre-existing conditions.

The Board granted service connection for a left middle finger disability and assigned a 10 percent rating for bilateral postoperative inguinal hernia. The veteran's scar and scar tissue of the left groin were rated at 10 percent, while his right groin scar was rated at 0 percent. The decision also addressed an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the right groin scar after August 10, 2001.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The RO denied increased ratings for the appellant's right thumb and hypersensitive scar conditions, as well as service connection for depression, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand disorders all claimed as secondary to her service-connected right thumb disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing with a local Decision Review Officer. The case will be returned to the Board after this action.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee strain, residuals of a shrapnel wound of the left leg, and degenerative arthritis of the right knee. The increased rating claim for chondromalacia patella of the right knee is held in abeyance pending further examination. Service connection for a scar of the right patella remains denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's macular scarring of the left eye is service connected, but his age-related macular degeneration of the left eye is not. The claim for secondary service connection was denied.

The Board found insufficient evidence to connect the appellant's current left eye condition, diagnosed as corneal scarring and pseudophakia, with his active duty or INACDUTRA service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's urticaria with scars is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board has granted a temporary increase to 30 percent from March 31, 2003, to April 23, 2004. The case was remanded for further development.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected scar from the left hand is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right eyebrow scar, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under the applicable VA regulations.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The varicose veins of the right leg are currently rated at 10 percent, but no higher rating is warranted as there is no evidence of persistent edema or swelling.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling of examinations and obtaining medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne due to exposure to Agent Orange and denied his increased rating claims for burn scars of the right hand and left hand. The veteran was not granted any new ratings.

The Board found no evidence of asbestosis or pleural plaques and scarring of the lungs, which are unrelated to service. Service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board has denied a higher rating for the service-connected recurrent umbilical hernia with postoperative scarring, finding that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects the veteran's condition. A separate 20 percent rating was granted for the weakened abdominal wall.