Scars decisions — 2025

The veteran was granted an initial disability rating of 10 percent for Dupuytren's contracture with post-traumatic arthritis of the right ring finger and a 20 percent rating for scars. The issue of a higher rating for the right ring finger disability was remanded.

The Board granted the Veteran's appeal, finding that the severance of service connection for bladder cancer, prostate cancer, kidney disease, scars, and hypertension was improper. The Board also granted the appeal for the severance of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on statutory housebound and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

The veteran is granted a 10% disability rating for scars but the claim for service connection of deviated nasal fracture is remanded.

The veteran's appeal for increased ratings and earlier effective dates was dismissed because the veteran withdrew the appeal.

The veteran's disability ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and right upper extremity radiculopathy were restored to previous levels. The claim for an increased rating for a surgical scar was denied, as was the claim for service connection for bilateral hydroceles and varicoceles with left epididymal cyst due to lack of new evidence.

The appeal for service connection for female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) was dismissed. The reduction of the disability rating for left shin splints from 10 percent to noncompensable, effective January 27, 2022, was proper; the claim is denied. A rating in excess of 10 percent for various conditions was denied. An initial 10 percent rating for chronic sinusitis was granted.

The appeal for service connection of scarring on the nose is remanded. The VA will schedule a new examination to determine if the scar is related to military service.

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding the severance of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and a back scar, as well as the reduction of the rating for the Veteran's back disability. The issues are no longer on appeal because the full benefit sought was granted.

The appeal is remanded because the VA did not provide the veteran with a copy of their medical examination report before making a decision. The case will be reviewed again after the veteran receives this document.

The Board denied all claims for increased disability ratings. The Veteran's tinnitus, cluster headaches, scars due to lipoma removal and hernia surgeries, bronchitis, and obstructive sleep apnea with chronic bronchitis did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board granted service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), including migraine headaches with photophobia, tinnitus associated with these headaches, and a forehead scar.

The veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for aortic valve replacement since December 21, 2021 was granted. The claim for a compensable rating for the midline chest scar was denied. Other issues were remanded.

The veteran's service connection for squamous cell carcinoma, colon cancer, lung cancer, and residual painful scars of the neck was granted with an effective date of December 7, 2021. However, higher ratings were denied.

The veteran was granted a 60% rating for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity but denied higher ratings for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine scar, and right-hand scar. The issue of a higher rating for cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) was remanded.

The Board remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right ankle disorder, cervical neck disorder, and head scar. The Veteran will be scheduled for examinations to determine if these conditions are related to his service.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for several conditions but granted an earlier effective date for left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy. Some issues were remanded for further consideration.

The Board remanded the claim to obtain outstanding medical records and determine the Veteran's correct diagnosis and functional impairments related to his service-connected condition.

The Board remanded the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Board found sufficient evidence to substantiate a reasonable possibility that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a dental condition and compensable ratings for residuals of a laceration and crush injury of the left little finger, and scar were denied. The claims for service connection for cervical strain and for a dental disability for treatment purposes were remanded.

The veteran's appeals for service connection for scars on the left lower extremity and for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee meniscal tear were dismissed because the veteran requested to withdraw these appeals.