Scars Board decisions

The VA has determined that the veteran's scars at the base of his neck do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under current VA regulations.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected left inguinal hernia repair with tender surgical scar warranted a 10 percent disability rating, but did not grant an increased rating.

The veteran's left lower extremity scarring associated with anterior cruciate ligament repairs was not found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and considering revised rating criteria.

The veteran's increased ratings for hemorrhoids and facial scar have been granted, with the facial scar receiving a 10 percent rating effective from October 13, 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment, and thus grants a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate examination and missing medical records.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected residuals of a fracture of the right fourth and fifth metacarpals is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling another VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU, finding that the criteria for TDIU were not met prior to February 24, 1998.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death due to new and material evidence submitted. The veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, is found to have contributed substantially or materially to his fatal stroke.

The Board has granted an initial noncompensable rating for the veteran's appendectomy scar, finding that it is tender and painful while working. The pain more nearly approximates a 10% rating under Diagnostic Code 7804.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of service connection for a right eye cyst, left leg condition, back pain, left testicle condition, groin pain, skin rash, burn scars of the hands, diabetes mellitus and headaches. The appeal regarding PTSD remains.

The Board has denied all three issues related to service connection due to a lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease and no current disability.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for left shoulder disability, arthritis, and a disability manifested by throbbing, tingling, and numbness of the hands. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred during his period of active duty for training.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including low back disability (including arthritis), bilateral pes planus, scarring behind the ears, and chronic headache disability, were not incurred or aggravated during his first period of active military service. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's burn scars meet criteria for a 10 percent rating, as they cause discomfort and sensitivity to both heat and cold. The current rating schedule allows for this level of disability.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids and abdominal scar were denied. The veteran's service-connected hypothyroidism, constipation, fatigue, and headaches are currently rated at 10%, 20%, and 10% respectively.,Service connection for nausea, vomiting, and gastric reflux was severed due to a finding of excessive alcohol consumption as the cause of symptoms.

The Board has granted higher initial ratings for the veteran's service-connected right and left shoulder disabilities, with specific findings on the nature of the disability and the appropriate rating.

The veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his service-connected right index finger scar was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show functional loss due to the scar, and thus no higher rating could be assigned.

The Board has denied reopening the veteran's claims for service connection for facial laceration scars and residuals of a head and neck injury due to lack of new and material evidence.