Scars Board decisions

The Board denied a compensable rating for scars to the right forearm, antecubital fossa, and right upper knee. The issue of an increased rating for PTSD remains pending.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 16, 2004, for a combined schedular rating of 100% for his service-connected disabilities was denied. The RO assigned the highest possible schedular evaluation (100%) on August 19, 2004, based on the veteran's left ankle disorder.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for postoperative left ilioinguinal nerve damage and nerve transection was denied.,The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for postoperative inguinal hernia repair residuals, with multiple herniorrhaphies and scars, was also denied.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 10 percent for the veteran's scar on his right knee, effective from April 2, 2002. The other two scars have been rated as non-compensable.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the veteran for VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected scar of the scalp and forehead is granted a 10 percent evaluation effective March 7, 2002. The residuals of his maxillary fracture are also granted but with no compensable rating.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, require the daily personal health care services of a skilled provider without which he would need institutional care. The Board finds that these conditions meet the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for chorioretinal scarring of the left eye, finding that the current rating of 30 percent is the maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete evidence and need for further examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his scars on the right wrist and left heel, finding that he was already receiving the maximum available rating under both old and new VA criteria.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for left kidney removal, finding no competent medical evidence to show a link between the condition and his military service.,However, the Board granted service connection for abdominal burn scars, attributing them to service based on consistent findings of first-degree burns in service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's keloid scars of the chest, back, right arm and armpits are not service-connected as they did not develop due to an injury or disease incurred in service. The evidence does not support a finding that these scars were caused by immunizations received during service.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right ring finger injury and assigned a 10% rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an initial compensable rating for a scar on his left forearm. The veteran was not diagnosed with current chronic tinnitus, and there is no evidence of limitation of function due to the scar.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for headaches and compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 (West 2002) for various disabilities are being remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records, lack of proper notice regarding the VCAA requirements, and need for additional medical examinations.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for hearing loss, tinnitus, and scars on the face were denied. The RO found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claim of entitlement to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) by reason of service-connected disabilities due to insufficient medical information and further development is needed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for separate disability ratings for left upper and lower extremity residuals of a closed head injury, as well as an increased rating for right femoral fracture with knee and hip pain due to his failure to report for scheduled VA physical examinations.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected scar and nerve damage did not warrant a higher rating as they were not productive of any limitation of motion or underlying soft tissue damage.

The veteran's service-connected conditions, including neurofibromatosis and related disabilities, make him incapable of performing daily activities without regular aid and attendance.