Scars Board decisions

The veteran's shell fragment wounds have been evaluated as 10 percent disabling, and no higher evaluations are warranted based on the current evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left foot scar does not present any clinically ascertainable residuals and therefore, a compensable evaluation is denied.

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his scar, right eyelid was granted with an initial rating of 10 percent effective January 13, 1998. The claim for service connection for hypertension was also granted.

The veteran's death was not caused by or contributed to by his service-connected disabilities. The appellant did not provide evidence of clear and unmistakable error in a prior final VA determination, so she is not eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected shrapnel wound residuals of the right thigh, scar from a shrapnel wound on the left parietal region, and scar from an appendectomy. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under VA's rating schedule.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation, finding no new evidence to reopen his claim of second degree burn scars. The other issues were also denied.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The RO has developed all evidence necessary, but the residuals of shrapnel wounds are not shown to warrant higher ratings.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of a fracture, second metacarpal, left hand and an appendectomy scar as there is no evidence of ankylosis or limitation of motion that would warrant a compensable rating under the applicable VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for residuals of a right eye injury, including a facial tic, scarring, cataracts, and glaucoma. The new evidence submitted by Dr. Solomon was sufficient to reopen the claim.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected laceration scars of both legs do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the earliest effective date for a total rating based on individual unemployability is September 21, 1998. This decision was made after considering the facts found and the veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for corneal scars secondary to trauma is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of his claims file.

The Board has granted the veteran's motion to sever his left knee disability claim from other claims and remanded it for further development. The case is now being returned to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's request for a waiver of recovery of overpayment of disability compensation benefits in the amount of $66,023.67 due to his fault in creating the overpayment and lack of undue hardship or unjust enrichment.

The Board has granted a 10% disability rating for the veteran's service-connected scar of his right calf, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran.

The Board denied all claims for increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected disabilities involving shell fragment wounds. The RO continued to deny the claims for higher ratings for residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right arm, shell fragment wound residual scars of the lower left neck and chest, and shell fragment wound residual scar of the right axilla.

The veteran's appeal is denied as his appendectomy scar does not warrant a rating in excess of the current 10 percent.

The veteran's disabilities, while present and rated at 40 percent combined, do not render him permanently and totally disabled for pension purposes due to his age, education, and occupational history.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right shoulder disorder or any other service-connected condition, and therefore cannot grant service connection for such. The claims for increased ratings are denied as well.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for her cervical spine, left hip scar, and neck scar disabilities. The veteran was not granted any higher initial ratings.