Scars Board decisions

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board granted an increased rating of 10% for the donor site scar of the left hip effective July 19, 1999 and a 10% rating for the scar of the left fifth metatarsal.

The Board found that the veteran's fatal myocardial infarction was not caused by or related to his service-connected disabilities, and thus denied service connection for the cause of death. The appellant also failed to meet the requirements for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected scar, finding that the evidence did not support a compensable evaluation.

The Board has found that the veteran's appendectomy scar is service-connected, and his lung condition is not attributable to service.

The veteran's service-connected right knee disorder and multiple scars of the face are currently rated at 10 percent, but do not warrant higher ratings based on current evidence.

The VA has denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected postoperative scar from a pilonidal cystectomy, currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for scar, left forehead and service connection for residuals of a head injury (other than a forehead scar) and DDD of the cervical spine and lumbosacral disc bulge were denied. The veteran's claim for GERD was not addressed as it may be related to his service-connected headaches. Service connection claims for hypertension and nerves were also denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of his death, entitlement to Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code, and entitlement to death pension benefits. The appellant was informed that she had not provided sufficient information regarding her appeal.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected right wrist wound and disfiguring scars, finding that there was no evidence of exceptional disability or new evidence warranting reopening.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected gunshot wound to the right lower leg, muscle group XI, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent. The veteran's service-connected gunshot wound scars of the right lower leg also do not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The appellant's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected coccydynia and residual scar, as well as a claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities are being remanded for further development.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of July 22, 1999 for a 10 percent evaluation for laceration scars of the face and mouth was denied. The claim for a compensable evaluation for residuals of a fractured mandible was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a scar of the head, hypertension, and triple bypass residuals. The denial was based on new and material evidence not being received to reopen the claim for a scar of the head.

The Board has granted service connection for a left ring finger scar as a residual of an in-service injury, and the claim is denied for any other residuals of the left hand injury involving the ring finger.

The veteran's service-connected healed scars on the forehead with a depressed area are currently rated at 30 percent, and his claim for an increased rating remains in appellate status. The cardiovascular disorder is separately evaluated.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his duodenal ulcer, removal of a left lung cyst with resection of the eighth rib, and tender scar of the left axillary region.

The veteran's claim for a total rating for compensation based upon individual unemployability prior to June 6, 2001 is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have not worsened to the extent that they preclude him from performing his occupation as a cook, and the occupation is not unsuitable on the basis of his specific employment handicap.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities and entitlement to a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.