Scars Board decisions

The Board denied an increased rating for the service-connected degenerative disc disease at L5-S1, with recurrent right sciatica, arachnoiditis, excision of scar tissue and nerve root compression at L4, L5 on the left.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected residual scar from a splenectomy does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as it is superficial and does not cause limitation of motion or pain.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, gastric ulcer disease, residuals of a skull fracture with headaches, and left thumb scar are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board found that the veteran's MS did not cause his death, and there was no evidence linking any service-connected conditions to his death. The VA medical opinion concluded that the veteran died of a sudden cardiac event unrelated to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's left wrist disability is rated at 30 percent, and his shell fragment wound scars of the right wrist and forearm are noncompensable. The shrapnel wound scar of the right index finger is also noncompensable.

The veteran's claim for service connection for left lower leg superficial scars and minimal, benign periosteal reaction of the distal fibula and tibia was granted with a 10% evaluation effective March 30, 2001. The case is now remanded to issue a statement of the case regarding the May 2003 rating decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or that any claimed conditions are related to her period of active duty.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for his scar of the right cheek and service connection for his neuropsychiatric disorder, finding that neither condition warranted a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for residuals of a tubal ligation, right foot disability, and bilateral knee disability. The initial ratings for hypothyroidism, DM, and DDD of the lumbar spine are denied.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete documentation and need for further examination. The issues of increased evaluations for residuals of a shell fragment wound, small bowel contusion, and laparotomy scar are before the Board.

The veteran's appeal is about the evaluation of his right knee injury and whether the effective date for an increased disability rating was based on clear and unmistakable error. The case must be remanded to schedule a hearing before a traveling Member of the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under VA rating criteria.

The veteran's scar, right arm, residuals of gunshot wound is not rated as compensable due to lack of functional or other impairment.

The veteran's right knee disability, including his ACL and meniscus repair as well as postoperative scars, is currently evaluated at a 10 percent rating. The RO has granted service connection for these conditions based on their direct relationship to the veteran's military service.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The veteran's residuals of a thyroidectomy and skin cancer of the nose were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Board found that the veteran did not have any chronic diseases identified under presumptive provisions for Agent Orange exposure.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right hand disability was denied, and the claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability was also denied. The veteran had mild ulnar neuropathy affecting his right hand but could not work due to pain and limited use of his right hand.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for a scar on the left buttock was denied by the Board.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings were granted, with the right shoulder impairment and left knee instability receiving the highest rating of 30%.

The veteran's appeal for separate 10 percent evaluations for bilateral tinnitus and an initial compensable evaluation for residuals of a left hand injury has been withdrawn.