Scars decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including head swelling/inflammation, corneal scars and opacities or other keratitis, right leg pain (separate from right knee PFPS), condylomata acuminata of the perianal region, an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety, depression, severe paranoia, and brain damage, right foot pain, mild penile irritation, a STI, rectal scar, status post hemorrhoidectomy/skin tag removal, internal or external hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, denied an increased rating for the low back disability, granted a 50 percent rating for depression, and granted TDIU. The appeal was partially successful with some issues being granted while others were denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for his depressive disorder and for a 100 percent schedular rating for coronary artery disease with cardiomegaly prior to September 29, 2021. The claims for a compensable rating for scars of the chest, thorax, bilateral groin, and left thigh, and entitlement to TDIU were remanded.

The Board denied an initial rating higher than 70 percent for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, denied a compensable rating for abdominal scar, granted a 30 percent rating for hysterectomy effective September 28, 2020, and denied earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection and special monthly compensation.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims for acne, scarring, lower back pain, left knee condition, right knee condition, and bronchitis for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Veteran was granted a non-compensable evaluation for left inguinal hernia prior to May 19, 2024, and an evaluation of 10 percent from that date. The claim for a compensable evaluation for scar, anterior trunk status post 3 hernia repairs was withdrawn.

The Board granted restoration of a 30 percent rating for left hallux rigidus, status post failed foot surgery with degenerative arthritis and hallux limitus, from the date of reduction. The appeal was denied for ratings in excess of 30 percent for left hallux rigidus and in excess of 10 percent for left great toe scar. The Board remanded claims for service connection for right pes planus and an increased rating for left pes planus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, but granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal for a higher disability rating for his bilateral eye disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected surgical scars of the left and right hips, finding that the evidence did not support a compensable rating. The claims for increased ratings for total hip replacements were remanded for further development.

The Board denied the claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection.

The Board grants service connection for abdominal scars, post stab wound repair, based on new and relevant evidence.

The appeal for a higher (compensable) disability rating for bilateral hand scars is dismissed as the Veteran informed the Board in writing that he no longer pursues this issue on appeal.

The Board denied the claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, granted an earlier effective date for left lower extremity scars, but did not assign a compensable rating for them from August 23, 2023.

The Board granted an initial 10 percent evaluation for the Veteran's left elbow surgical scar based on his reports of pain, which required him to wear an elbow pad and adjust his sleeping habits.

The Board remands the claims for higher ratings for right knee strain with contusion, bilateral plantar fasciitis with right foot calluses, burn scar right index and right ring finger, and left ingrown toenails post-operative to correct an error by the agency of original jurisdiction in satisfying the regulatory duty to provide the Veteran with notice of his right to a pre-decisional hearing.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the remaining issues for further development.

The Board denied a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss, an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain, and a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine disability. However, service connection was granted for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity as secondary to the low back disability.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, frostbite of the left and right feet, painful scar of the right foot, xerosis (also claimed as skin rash), and obstructive sleep apnea with effective dates from November 17, 2020 or later.