Scars Board decisions

The Board denied a higher initial rating for the veteran's service-connected right ear fungal infection with tympanic membrane scarring, finding that the evidence did not support an evaluation greater than 0 percent.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected residual laceration scar of the right knee does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and Social Security Administration information.

The Board denied extensions of temporary total ratings and increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, finding that the veteran did not meet the criteria for extended convalescence or higher disability ratings.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Regional Office of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected conditions have been denied. The Board found no evidence of impairment that would warrant a compensable evaluation.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left shoulder scar is being remanded due to the need for further examination and development of medical records.

The veteran's increased rating claim for status post fracture of the left mandible and his left neck scar were both granted. He is now rated at 10 percent for each condition.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for laceration, right wrist/hand with residual scar and hypoesthesia involving forefinger and middle finger due to a lack of competent evidence of active gouty arthritis.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for a scar of the left buttock is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The VA granted service connection for an appendectomy scar but assigned a non-compensable rating. The veteran is seeking further clarification or higher compensation.

The veteran's shell fragment wound scars of both shoulders are currently evaluated as noncompensably disabling. The RO denied the claims for increased evaluations, finding that the scars do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The case is ready for appellate review.

The Board dismissed the appellant's appeals for various issues, including whether a noncompensable evaluation was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, service connection for PTSD, and service connection for scarring of the left tympanic membrane. The appeal was also dismissed for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes, recurrent dislocation of the left shoulder, and tinnitus.

The veteran's left knee condition, including a total knee replacement and arthritis, is rated at 30 percent. His right knee disability, including degenerative joint disease, is also rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected gunshot wound residuals and denied his claim of service connection for traumatic arthritis. The veteran's left hand disabilities are rated based on their current manifestations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a lower abdominal scar, finding that there was no evidence of any current disability related to her in-service cesarean sections.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including Social Security Administration records and VA medical center records. The RO must also schedule examinations to determine the current level of disability due to diabetes mellitus, post-surgical scar, eye disability, and asthma.

The veteran withdrew his substantive appeal, effectively dismissing all issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, scar on the back of the neck, and scar on the left forearm were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was also not related to his period of service.