Scars decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for hemorrhoids, scars, low back disability, left ankle disability, left and right shoulder disabilities, and left and right hip disabilities as the evidence did not show that the Veteran had these conditions or related symptoms during the appeal period.

The Board remands the veteran's claims for a higher rating and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to concerns regarding the qualifications of the VA examiner.

The Board remands the issue of a compensable rating for intra-abdominal (internal scarring) adhesions status post cesarean section and revision procedure due to a duty to assist error in the August 2025 VA examination.

The Board granted service connection for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and denied service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, to include cognitive impairment, a gallbladder condition, to include residual abdominal scar from cholecystectomy, and a pulmonary condition, to include shortness of breath.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for further development and readjudication.

The appeal was denied due to the untimely filing of the Board Appeal request.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board granted service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury and special monthly compensation based on the need of regular aid and attendance, while remanding the issue of service connection for a seizures disorder.

The Board denied higher ratings for PTSD with alcohol use disorder, left and right knee strains, a left lower leg scar based on pain, a left lower leg scar based on underlying soft tissue damage, and adult acne with scarring.

The Board granted a separate 20 percent disability rating for painful surgical scars in the posterior trunk and a separate 10 percent disability rating for a painful surgical scar in the anterior trunk, effective from April 16, 2015. The Board also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective from November 2, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for cervical strain and a compensable rating for scars post-removal of squamous cell carcinomas, while remanding several other claims including diabetes mellitus, type II, diabetic neuropathies, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, left knee disability, traumatic brain injury with post-concussion syndrome migraines, and left hip disability.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal of all claims currently pending before the Board, including those for an earlier effective date for hypothyroidism and higher ratings for various conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for residuals, left varicocele and an initial compensable evaluation for surgical scar from varicocelectomy.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals remands the claims for service connection for a bilateral hand disability, left hip disability, left wrist disability, pseudo-folliculitis barbae with scarring, and sinusitis due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error and an inadequate VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss and remanded the claims for tinnitus, facial scars, right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, GERD, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for further development.

The Board granted a 10 percent disability rating for the Veteran's right abdominal scar, but no higher.

The Board denied a compensable initial disability rating for abdominal scar tissue as the evidence did not show that the scars were unstable, painful, or covered 929 square centimeters or more.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disability, a right hand scar, and residuals of a right leg injury.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, OSA, GERD, facial scarring, urinary frequency, and left knee degenerative arthritis due to a need for initial VA examinations.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity pain and denied a compensable evaluation for left abdomen shrapnel scar.