Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected scars residual to a left lower extremity gunshot wound are not compensable as they do not meet the criteria for any higher rating under VA's schedular guidelines.

The Veteran's service-connected CAD with sick sinus syndrome and pacemaker implant has been rated at 30 percent since May 28, 2010. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's right testicle scar, residual of right hydrocele removal and orchiopexy, was rated as 10 percent disabling effective September 9, 2014. The painful scar of the right testicle was rated as 10 percent disabling from January 29, 2007 to September 8, 2014.

The Veteran's closed enterocutaneous fistula and abdominal scarring, resulting from a hernia repair and small bowel resection at the VA, are considered an additional disability due to unforeseen events not reasonably foreseeable by VA staff.

The Veteran's post-operative cervical spine scar is not disfiguring, does not cause limitation of function, and does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's left foot disability, including his ankle limitation, warrants a separate 10% rating effective November 18, 2015.

The Veteran's service connection claim for tinnitus has been granted with a 10% evaluation, and he is also entitled to separate evaluations of 10% each for his inguinal hernia and the scar from his inguinal hernia surgery. The Veteran's service connection claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae (scarring) has been granted with a 30% evaluation based on disfigurement of the face and head.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has received a withdrawal of the appeals from the Veteran, thus dismissing the cases.

The Veteran's right knee scar is currently rated at 10 percent, effective February 6, 2008. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for the period of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's abdominal scar, characterized by one linear scar measuring 14 centimeters long and 0.25 centimeters wide, is painful and unstable, warranting a 20 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7804.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination as his symptoms have increased since his last examination, and updated VA treatment records are needed.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral foot scars was denied, as the scars are superficial and not painful. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also pending.

The Veteran's combined rating of 80 percent due to service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and PTSD, precludes him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the evidence supports a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder NOS), left gluteus shell fragment wound, and scar formation in left gluteus have been denied as there is no evidence of a service connection relationship to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a separate rating of 10 percent for scotoma of the left eye is granted beginning February 5, 2013. The claims for higher schedular and extraschedular ratings for chorioretinal scar of the left eye are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection have been denied. The Board found no evidence to support the claimed conditions or their relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling an RO hearing. The issues on appeal include ratings for various conditions and disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD and hiatal hernia, status post Nissen fundoplication with residual scar resulted in persistently recurrent epigastric distress, dysphagia, heartburn, reflux, regurgitation, and sleep disturbance. The Board granted a 30 percent rating for this condition.

The Veteran's low back disability, specifically her lumbar spine degenerative arthritic changes and IVDS with left superficial peroneal nerve involvement and scarring, is currently rated at 20 percent. The claim for a higher initial rating was denied.