Scars Board decisions

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was granted. However, his claims for compensable initial ratings for shrapnel wound scars of the right hand and left buttock were denied.

The veteran's service-connected low back disability is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for severe limitation of motion. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia of the left patella, with residual weakness of the left thigh and a compensable rating for a residual scar from right knee laceration.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a scar on his right side of head and dismissed his earlier effective date claim for headaches, as well as his increased evaluation claim for residuals of laceration to the left parietal region.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of increased rating for his shoulder condition and service connection for hearing loss are both pending.

The veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for disabilities resulting from VA hospitalization or medical/surgical treatment in May 1985, and the Board has determined that additional information is needed to properly adjudicate his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected appendectomy scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under any applicable diagnostic codes. The scar is superficial and asymptomatic with no functional impact or limitation.

The veteran's service-connected scars have been denied initial and increased evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a supplemental statement from the VA physician who examined the veteran in November 2003 and ensuring that all pertinent medical records are obtained.

The veteran's initial compensable ratings for scars on the back of the neck and residuals of a nasal fracture were denied. He was also denied a rating based on multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected right foot hammertoe deformities, pes planus, and status post hammertoe repair of the fifth toe with a residual scar are currently rated at 10% each. The Board finds that these conditions do not warrant an increased rating as they do not meet the criteria for moderately severe disability in either foot.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for postoperative residuals of left eye surgery, a scar of the left eye, and loss of sight of the left eye. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his active military service.

The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is denied because the veteran's service-connected disabilities were not continuously rated totally disabling by a schedular or unemployability rating for at least 10 years immediately preceding his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a hearing loss disability, tinnitus, residuals of a virus of unknown origin, or a scar on the stomach. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities require the daily personal health care services of a skilled provider without which he would need institutional care, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board found no evidence of current bilateral hearing loss and denied the veteran's claim for service connection. The lumbar spine disorder, facial scar, and right arm scar claims were also denied as there was insufficient evidence to support higher disability evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and needs to consider new information provided by the appellant's representative.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected left eye disorder and headaches.,The veteran's left eye disorder is currently rated at 40 percent, while his headaches are rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's burn scars, left ear hearing loss, and residuals of right ear infections are all found to be service-connected.

The Board has remanded this case for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of the veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids and to determine the nature and likely etiology of his claimed psychiatric disorder. The RO will also consider whether separate ratings can be assigned based on different periods of time.