Scars Board decisions

The Board has determined that diabetes mellitus and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated during service, nor are they presumed to have been incurred within one year of discharge. The scar on the right third finger is also denied as it is not related to service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings are being held in abeyance pending further action by the RO.

The Board found that the veteran's burn scars were not incurred or aggravated in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for upper respiratory infections and scars, status-post circumcision. The secondary service connection claim for varicoceles is remanded to determine if it is proximately due to his service-connected post-operative residuals of left inguinal hernia.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease and peripheral neuropathies of all four extremities, are sufficient to meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine the current severity of the veteran's heart and hypertension disorders, as well as his scar, keloid, left hand condition. Additionally, a dermatology examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of the veteran's skin disorder other than the scar on his left hand. The cervical spine and low back disability claims are also remanded for further development.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for anxiety disorder and a scar as a residual of burns to the right lower leg are being remanded due to need for additional examinations and records.

The Board granted an increased rating of 10 percent for a residual shell fragment wound scar in the occipital area, effective September 16, 2002.

The Board has remanded the case due to duty to notify issues and need for a new VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a permanent and total rating for pension purposes and an original compensable evaluation for her neck scar. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under either the old or new diagnostic codes.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of increased rating for PTSD, compensable rating for shrapnel fragment wounds, and service connection for residuals of a shrapnel wound of the right shoulder are pending.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the nature and extent of his service-connected conditions.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her service-connected keloidal scar on the left side of her face and Frey's syndrome, finding that both conditions are currently rated appropriately at 10 percent.

The VA determined that the veteran's scar, postoperative cyst removal, suboccipital area of the neck with tender nodule is no more than superficial, tender, and painful on objective examination, warranting a 10 percent disability rating.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his scar and neuritis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected shell fragment wound scars of the left shoulder and neck is being remanded due to additional development needed, including a dermatology examination.

The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for shell fragment scars of the right elbow and both legs is denied. The May 1969 rating decision denying service connection for a right knee disability remains final. New and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's burn scars warrant a 30 percent disability evaluation, effective from August 1, 2002. The initial compensable rating for his hemorrhoids remains unchanged.

The veteran's claims of service connection for right knee sprain, residuals of pneumonia, and depression were granted. The other issues on appeal are not addressed in this decision.