Scars Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a chest wall contusion with scars, finding that there was no evidence to support the claim and concluding that any rib fractures were not related to his military service.

The Board dismissed the motion for revision of its March 2003 decision denying a compensable evaluation for scars of a shrapnel wound to the right leg, finding that the veteran did not set forth specific allegations of error in the decision.

The veteran is permanently bedridden and in need of regular aid and attendance due to the right hip fracture, which has worsened his overall disability. Special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a contusion to the left leg and for scarlet fever (residuals) have been denied. The veteran's claim for residuals of a contusion to the left leg was not supported by evidence showing an in-service injury or disease, and no current disability is shown. For his claim of scarlet fever (residuals), the Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen this previously denied claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a copy of the appellant's stress test and scheduling him for a VA compensation examination. The appellant may have raised new claims regarding sleep apnea and should clarify which ones he wishes to pursue.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected migraine headaches, residuals of a medial meniscectomy of the left knee, residuals of a fracture of the left fibula, residuals of a fracture of the right thumb, and residuals of a fracture of the left fourth finger. The claim for an increased rating for the appendectomy scar was not addressed in this decision.

The VA determined that the veteran's nose scar does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, as it did not show severe disfigurement or marked deformity.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to VCAA compliance issues.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for a scar of the left buttock, service connection for headaches as post-concussion syndrome/seizure disorder, an increased rating for his neck disability, and an initial rating greater than 30 percent for PTSD. The effective date for the total disability rating based on individual unemployability was denied.

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

The veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 and neck scarring, including as due to exposure to herbicide are being remanded for additional development.

The veteran's second degree burn scars on his right and left lower extremities do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation guidelines.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected conditions render him unemployable, and thus grants a TDIU based on these disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including verifying the appellant's service records and obtaining medical evidence related to his claimed right forehead scar.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection due to lack of a formal or informal claim prior to May 11, 1999.

The Board has determined that a compensable evaluation of 10 percent is warranted for the veteran's service-connected scar on the right thigh, which measures eight centimeters long by one centimeter wide and is painful.

The Board found that the veteran's fatal cancer did not have its onset during service or due to his service-connected conditions, and thus denied service connection for the cause of death.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date were denied. The Board also reopened the claim for service connection for cervical disc disease with headaches, but denied a higher initial rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right eye disability and an initial compensable rating for a residual scar on his right thumb. The right eye disability, defined as corectopia, corneal scarring, a cataract, and a retinal tear, was found to have pre-existed service and did not worsen beyond natural progression during such service.

The Board found that the veteran's incisional hernia was not a result of VA medical care and denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for his condition.