Scars decisions — 2025

The Board denied all initial disability ratings for the veteran's low back, left foot, left little finger, right wrist, tinnitus, and scars disabilities, except for a separate 10 percent evaluation for a painful scar of the back.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the ratings and service connection of various conditions, granted a 20 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), but denied higher ratings for other conditions.

The Board granted an initial 40 percent rating for the service-connected back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy, but denied a compensable rating for the post-surgical scar on the right great toe.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and effective dates as they were improperly filed under the new Direct Review docket system.

The decision granted earlier effective dates for DEA benefits, TDIU, and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ from August 1, 2018, but denied increased ratings for PTSD, ED, left knee degenerative arthritis with synovitis and chondromalacia, and other conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for residuals of a left eyelid laceration scar, finding that his service-connected condition does not result in any disfigurement or visual impairment.

The Board remands the claims for basal cell carcinoma and scarring as secondary to it for further development, specifically directing a new medical opinion on whether the Veteran's basal cell carcinoma is related to his in-service exposure to UV radiation.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder was granted a 100 percent disability rating, while the claims for compensable ratings for scars and effective dates for TDIU, DEA, and SMC were denied.

The Board granted earlier effective dates of February 1, 2021, for the awards of service connection and secondary service connection for various disabilities.

The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability from July 30, 2014, but no earlier.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the service connection of a postoperative residual painful scar, right hypothenar laceration and remanded claims for service connection for left knee strain and right knee strain.

The Board remands the claim for a VA examination to determine whether the Veteran's right eyebrow and left hand scars are related to his in-service fall.

The Board granted initial ratings of 50 percent for unspecified depressive disorder, 60 percent for degenerative arthritis of the spine with IVDS, status post spinal fusion, and 40 percent for radiculopathy, right lower extremity. The claim for a compensable rating for scar on back was denied, and TDIU was granted.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for various residual scars and a right eye disability, with an effective date of January 2, 2015, but no earlier.

The Board granted an initial 10 percent rating for a single right leg scar and remanded the remaining claims for further development.

The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including acute sinusitis, cervical spine strain, and various musculoskeletal injuries, as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury.

The Board granted the reopening of claims for scalp and head scars and headaches, but denied service connection for a traumatic brain injury. The remaining claims were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for breast cancer, scarring secondary to breast cancer, an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to breast cancer, and a digestive disorder secondary to breast cancer. The claim for a neurological condition of the upper extremities, including bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, was remanded.

The Board granted a 10 percent evaluation for postoperative excision nodular neoplasm fasciitis of the left neck prior to January 2, 2025, but denied an evaluation greater than 10 percent for painful left neck surgical scar since that date.

The Board granted service connection for acne scarring of the posterior trunk and upper anterior trunk, based upon aggravation in service. The claims for a left eye condition, an initial, compensable rating for COPD, and TDIU were remanded.