Scars Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and scarring/perforations of eardrums were denied as there was no evidence to support a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's service-connected scars and chronic lumbosacral strain, but granted a noncompensable evaluation for orchialgia.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized non-VA medical expenses incurred on March 21, 2000 was denied as he did not have prior authorization from VA and the services were not rendered in a medical emergency that would have been hazardous to his life or health. Additionally, VA facilities were found to be feasibly available.

The veteran's claim for payment of or reimbursement for medical expenses incurred during his hospitalization at the DePaul Medical Center in Norfolk, Virginia, from May 27 to June 3, 1991, was denied as he did not meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for several conditions, including right eye injury and sinusitis. However, the claims for a right knee disorder, tinnitus, and lacerations of the left cheek were denied as not related to service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to care for his daily living needs without the aid and attendance of another person.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected disabilities (malaria and numerous SFW residuals). The case was remanded multiple times, but new VA examinations were needed to determine the extent of the veteran's residual SFW scars. The veteran underwent a neurological examination in January 2001, but the findings were incomplete.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of PTSD and service connection for gastrointestinal condition, throat/ larynx condition, psoriasis, cancer (not specified), and scars of the hands were denied. The veteran was not shown to have any of these conditions during military service or within one year after separation, and there is no competent evidence of current disabilities.

The VA denied the veteran's request for an increased rating of his scar on his forehead, finding that it is only moderately disfiguring and does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for pneumonia and granted his claim for service connection for scars, removal of synovial cyst, left lower extremity and face. However, it did not assign a compensable rating for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected hoarseness and scars on his left scapula are adequately rated at a 10% level, reflecting their current functional impairment.

The veteran's appeal for service connection on all the listed issues was dismissed due to a failure to file a timely substantive appeal.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities of the left and right knees render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further proceedings, including arranging for a medical examination and obtaining clarifying opinions on the veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of December 14, 1993 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to a compensable evaluation for his service-connected residuals of tear, central tendon, right middle finger and scars, neck and face, residuals of removal of growths. The claim for an increased disability rating for scars, right thigh, flank, and abdominal wall, residuals of removal of growths is pending.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings and evaluations of his service-connected disabilities, finding that there was no evidence to support compensable evaluations.

The Board has granted service connection for post traumatic stress disorder, awarded an increased initial rating of 20 percent for diffuse muscle strain of the left hip, and awarded special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance. The other issues were denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right thumb and ring finger disorders is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of April 5, 2000, for a total disability evaluation for PTSD.