Scars decisions — 2025

The Board dismissed the claims for an initial compensable rating for irritable bowel syndrome, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, mental health disorder, right hand burn scars, and tinnitus as the AOJ did not readjudicate these issues in the May 2024 rating decision. The claim for service connection for cervical strain was denied due to a lack of evidence showing a current disability.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for an increased rating for painful left-hand and hand/wrist scars, finding that the evidence did not support a higher disability rating.

The Board remands the claim for an increased disability evaluation for central corneal scar, right eye, to ensure that all relevant private treatment records are obtained and a new VA examination is provided.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance was not due to service-connected disabilities, and therefore special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound for accrued benefits is denied.

The Board remands the claims for a compensable rating for residual scars status post prostatectomy and special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance due to the Veteran's inability to attend scheduled VA examinations.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for skin neoplasm with painful scars from November 19, 2008, to prior to December 16, 2022, and a 10 percent rating for residual trunk and extremities scars from November 19, 2008, to prior to July 22, 2022.

The Veteran was granted an earlier effective date of December 9, 2022, for a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD and DEA benefits. The claim for SMC at the 's' rate for housebound status was denied.

The Board denied an initial rating higher than 0 percent for bilateral hearing loss and a rating in excess of 10 percent for left radial scar.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, increased ratings, and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance due to insufficient evidence of entitlement arising before December 14, 2018.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for a neck scar and left knee scars, but remanded claims for service connection for plantar fasciitis and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied service connection for cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, erectile dysfunction, and facial scars. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Board granted an effective date of September 3, 2019 for the service connection claims for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and IVDS, residuals of left foot surgery, scar of the left foot, painful scar of the left foot, tinnitus, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Board denied increased disability ratings for the Veteran's back, radiculopathy of both lower extremities, and a surgical scar, as well as earlier effective dates for these conditions.

The Board remands the claims for an earlier effective date for service connection and a higher initial rating due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates, as well as service connection for various disabilities.

The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities from February 11, 2019, and denied increased ratings for prostatitis with chronic hematuria and dysuria, restrictive lung disease, migraine headaches with variants, and scar of the left upper eyelid.

The Board remands the claims for further development and readjudication, as it finds a duty to assist error in how the RO adjudicated the matter of the reduction for the Veteran's mitral valve prolapse.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, a higher rating for PTSD, and a compensable rating for left ankle arthritis.

The Board granted an initial rating of 10 percent for facial scarring but denied a higher rating from January 13, 2022, onward.

The Board granted service connection for a C-section scar, finding that the Veteran's current abdominal scar is at least as likely as not related to a C-section performed during her active duty service.