Scars Board decisions

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and employment history information.

The Board found that the service-connected anxiety disorder and PTSD did not cause or contribute substantially to the veteran's death from pneumonia complicated by toxic epidermal necrolysis.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and thus grants a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA dermatology examination and considering whether separate disability ratings are appropriate. The veteran's acne vulgaris with facial scarring will be evaluated under the new skin regulations effective August 30, 2002.

The veteran's appeal is for an increased rating for his service-connected multiple residual burn scars of both feet. The RO has requested additional evidence and development, including a VA examination, to consider the claim under both the former and revised applicable criteria for rating scars.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly evaluate the veteran's service-connected scarring and rheumatoid arthritis, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling examinations.

The veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings for his service-connected scar, forehead and head trauma with headaches.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The right wrist condition is rated at 40%, PTSD at 30%, and the left forearm condition at 10%. No other conditions or issues received a rating.

The Board denied a rating higher than the current 10 percent for scarring of the right leg, finding that the veteran's scars are superficial and not deep or unstable, with no functional impairment.

The veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities and seeks initial compensable evaluations. The case is being remanded to comply with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) and to provide a VA examination for her back condition.

The Board granted the veteran's claims for service connection for facial, chest, and back scars as residuals of basal cell carcinoma. The RO assigned a 10 percent rating for the facial scars and noncompensable ratings for the chest and back scars.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred from January 7-10, 2001 was denied because the services were not provided in a VA facility and no VA facilities were feasibly available to provide care. The cardiovascular condition was not service-connected at the time of hospitalization.

The veteran's appeal was granted for initial compensable disability ratings for his burn scar on the right hand and service connection for muscle tension headaches. The issue of left carpal tunnel syndrome is being remanded.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and conduct examinations to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of his hearing impairment and ear disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to changes in rating criteria and the need for a VA dermatology examination.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 24, 1997 for service connection and compensation for facial scars. The veteran's claim for a higher rating for acne vulgaris remains pending.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected scar of the scalp, finding that it does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if the February 10, 1984 rating decision should be reversed or amended on grounds of clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The veteran also seeks an earlier effective date for his service-connected residuals of a fractured left clavicle. Additionally, he claims that the September 16, 1999 rating action involving skull loss and forehead scar should be reversed or amended on grounds of CUE.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of service connection for the veteran's claimed conditions, and thus denied his claims for increased ratings. The scars on the right fifth finger and right forearm do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA regulations.