Scars decisions — 2025

The Board remands the claims for a compensable rating for right temple squamous cell carcinoma and an increased rating for residual scar, right temple squamous cell carcinoma to correct a duty to assist error.

The Board remands the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for two hernia residual scars, an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for a lumbar disorder, and ratings in excess of 20, 30, and 40 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), and a left upper extremity disability (ulnar nerve) respectively.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's degenerative disc disease at L4-5 and L5-S1, right shoulder condition, right elbow conditions, left knee osteoarthritis with meniscal tear, postmenopausal acne, and surgical scars of the lower back and right elbow. However, a 60 percent rating was granted for hypothyroidism prior to July 8, 2024, and TDIU from July 30, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board remands the claim for a VA examination to assess the status and etiology of the Veteran's right leg scar.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from August 11, 2023.

The Board granted service connection for neck burn scars, left and right arm conditions manifested by pain and sensory impairment, and a sinusitis disability rating of 10 percent. The issues related to increased ratings and other service connections were remanded.

The Board granted service connection for a right hip disability, diagnosed as right hip avascular necrosis and right hip replacement, and a right hip scar, status post right hip replacement, as secondary to the service-connected right hip replacement.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral visual discomfort, bilateral dry eye syndrome, and bilateral chronic allergic conjunctivitis but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a fatigue disorder. The claims for increased ratings were also denied.

The Board denied service connection for panic attacks and hammertoes, left foot. An initial 10 percent rating was granted for scars associated with hammertoes, right foot.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board granted an initial 10 percent disability rating for left and right foot hammer toes, denied a higher rating for PTSD, and denied a compensable rating for the left foot scar. The penile condition was remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for left inguinal scar, residuals of testicular cancer status post left orchidectomy, and special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of a creative organ.

The Board is remanding the claims for a compensable rating for right hip surgical scar, an increased rating for left hip limited extension, an increased rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy, and an increased rating for thoracic syrinx with degenerative disc disease due to the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Board granted a 10 percent disability rating for the sternal surgical scar and a 100 percent disability rating for left lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD).

The Veteran was granted an initial evaluation of 60 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) from August 19, 2009, and earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA. The claim for SMC based on housebound status was denied.

The Board granted an effective date of May 2, 2012 for the post-surgical scar, left eye, but denied earlier effective dates and higher disability ratings.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for various conditions as there was no appealable decision from the February 6, 2024, deferred rating.

The Board remands the claims for service connection due to duty to assist errors and the need for a medical examination under the PACT Act.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for perirectal abscess and fistula, scar, painful perianal region/gluteal cleft, and hemorrhoids.