Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a traumatic brain injury was denied as there is no current diagnosis. The reduction in the evaluation from 30 percent to 10 percent for scar, forehead, status post motor vehicle accident was found to be improper and restored.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. Therefore, she is entitled to specially adapted housing but not special home adaptations.

The Veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability determination, to be eligible for Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA) benefits under Title 38, Chapter 35, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his medical records and consideration of his claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability and its impact on his ability to work.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a facial scar on his left side or left eyebrow, and any right eyebrow scar is not related to his in-service injury. Therefore, service connection for a facial scar disability cannot be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with fracture of L1 and T12 and scars was increased to a 40 percent rating effective December 18, 2009.

The Veteran's initial ratings for thoracic strain and scar residuals of bilateral mammoplasty were denied.,A new and material evidence claim for service connection for bilateral shin splints was granted, but the claim remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right eye blindness, and facial scarring, are of such severity that they prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the evidence currently of record is sufficient to establish the Veteran's entitlement to service connection for a left hip disability with associated surgical scar and nerve damage. Therefore, no further development is required.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not prevented him from maintaining full-time employment during the entire appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left arm scars, claimed as residuals of a shrapnel wound, are not related to his active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and preparing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's reported floaters and decreased night vision.

The Veteran's claim for a separate 10 percent disability rating for a residual surgical scar associated with his service-connected status post right herniorrhaphy has been granted. The remaining issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for the scar and to a compensable rating for other residuals of the herniorrhaphy remain on appeal.

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for his service-connected right cheek and right lower extremity scars were granted, with the right cheek scar receiving a separate 10 percent rating based on pain since August 28, 2009. The right lower extremity scar was rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's right shoulder disorder is not service connected as it is not secondary to his service-connected left arm disability.,His laceration, left arm, medial aspect above elbow involving biceps muscle has been granted a 20% rating based on moderately severe disability.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital for treatment of his seizure disorder and headaches were deemed necessary due to the nature of his condition, which posed a serious threat to his health. The emergency nature of his seizures necessitated immediate care.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for his scars and disfigurements have been granted, with the highest rating of 30 percent assigned for the residual scars. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating, for purposes of accrued benefits, was denied as the evidence did not show he was unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left eye disorder is service-connected as it was caused by the in-service PRK surgery.,There is no evidence of a right eye disorder being related to service. The current diagnosis of dry eyes with superficial corneal changes may be due to chronic lens wear, not in-service PRK.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely related to acoustic trauma during service.