Scars decisions — 2025

The Board denied a compensable rating for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae and a rating in excess of 50 percent for the associated scars.

The Board granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1114(s), but denied increased initial ratings for the left leg below the knee amputation and a compensable rating for the left lower extremity scar due to amputation.

The appeal for service connection for erectile dysfunction was dismissed, while the claims for penile numbness, earlier effective date, and increased ratings were remanded.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and major depressive disorder, but denied service connection for left leg arthritis, right leg arthritis, sleep apnea, a head scar, and a chin scar.

The Board denied the claims for higher ratings and service connection, granted a 10 percent rating for a residual scar, and remanded several other claims for further development.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's left knee disability and denied a compensable rating for his left leg scars.

The Board granted an effective date of April 26, 2011 for the award of service connection for neoplasm of the kidney, nephrectomy associated with neoplasm of the kidney, and scarring associated with nephrectomy.

The Board remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension, GERD, and a skin disability due to inadequate VA medical opinions.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for lower back disability and associated post-surgical scar due to a need for additional evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and bipolar II, bilateral plantar fasciitis, removal of varicose veins in both legs, left Achilles tendon tear, status post repair, and a scar on the left Achilles region.

The Board granted service connection for a scar on the left elbow and remanded claims for irritable bowel syndrome, upper back/neck disorder, low back disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right hand disorder, and left hand disorder.

The Board remands the matter for additional development to ensure adequate attempts are made to schedule a VA examination for the Veteran's left eye disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected thyroid lobectomy, scar from thyroidectomy, and scar from left inguinal hernia repair.

The Board denied increased ratings for several service-connected conditions and granted service connection for a few others, including tinea pedis, bilateral dry eye syndrome, right shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, left knee disability (secondary), right knee disability (secondary), and right ankle disability (secondary).

The Board granted earlier effective dates of March 27, 2020, for TDIU and DEA benefits but denied higher disability ratings for breast cancer residuals, breast scars, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for lung nodules and scarring, as the evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his active duty service, including exposure to burn pits.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a disability rating of 100 percent, while other claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for GERD, insomnia with anxiety and depression, bronchitis with chronic cough, residuals scarring right forearm/elbow with pain, and fatigue due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's right inguinal hernia and granted a separate 10 percent rating for a painful scar, status post right inguinal hernia repair from December 12, 2018. The tinnitus claim was remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including unspecified depressive disorder and peripheral neuropathy in all extremities, were granted with specific ratings. TDIU was also granted effective January 28, 2019.