Scars decisions — 2025

The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a back disability prior to September 21, 2021, and in excess of 20 percent from that date. However, the Board granted a 20 percent rating for sciatica affecting both lower extremities starting on September 21, 2021.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and assigned an effective date of March 20, 2020 for patellofemoral syndrome left knee, right knee limitation of flexion, and patellofemoral syndrome right knee. Other claims were denied.

The Board granted service connection for a neck disability, low back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, and a neck scar.

The Board granted service connection for a right earlobe shrapnel scar and a skin disability, to include pityriasis versicolor with acrochordons. The claims for sleep apnea, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia were remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, finding that the earliest possible effective date was provided.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and a compensable rating for the Veteran's lumbar DDD, cervical DDD, and neck scar, as well as higher ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right and left knee disabilities, lumbar spine disability, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, require care and assistance on a regular basis.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and a compensable rating for migraine headaches, granted an effective date of August 16, 2022, but no earlier, for the 100 percent rating for PTSD with TBI, and remanded claims related to special monthly compensation.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and increased ratings to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and increased ratings, granted restoration of a 20 percent rating for left knee osteoarthritis with limitation of extension, and remanded claims for service connection for varicose veins and an earlier effective date for DEA benefits.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and colon polyps as they were granted in full. The claim for anal fissures was denied, while the claim for a right hip disability was remanded.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, hypothyroidism as secondary to psychiatric conditions (PTSD and insomnia), and a left-hand condition (burn scar).

The Board remands the claim for a compensable rating for status post umbilical hernia repair with scar due to an inadequate opinion regarding the Veteran's symptomatology.

The Board granted service connection for GERD, right shoulder tenosynovitis, and right upper extremity scars but denied service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board remands the veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to outstanding SSA disability benefit records.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date prior to August 10, 2022, for service-connected conditions as the October 2024 Supplemental Claim was not a valid appeal.

The appeal to restore the 50 percent rating for a scar of the middle and lower posterior neck with disfigurement was granted, while the claim for an increased rating for a painful scar of the lower posterior neck with failed skin graft and the claim for a higher rating for CAD were denied. The claim for CAD was remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for specially adapted housing and an automobile allowance was granted, while the claims for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance and compensable ratings for lower extremity radiculopathies were denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date prior to August 10, 2022, for service-connected conditions as the October 2024 Supplemental Claim was not a valid appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lower extremity neuropathy and scar disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.