Scars decisions — 2025

The veteran has withdrawn the appeal, and there are no specific errors of fact or law for appellate consideration.

The Veteran's right breast cancer and right breast partial mastectomy scars were granted increased ratings to 30 percent and 10 percent, respectively. The claim for a 10 percent evaluation based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities was denied.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions to correct duty to assist errors that occurred prior to the decision on appeal.

The Board denied increased ratings for several conditions but granted initial 20% evaluations for left and right lower extremity radiculopathies, femoral nerve, from October 31, 2019, to October 5, 2022, and granted a TDIU.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's right lateral epicondylitis and right elbow surgical scar, finding that the evidence did not support higher disability ratings.

The Veteran is granted an allowance for an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment due to the permanent loss of use of his feet and functional equivalent of right hip ankylosis resulting from his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is granted a separate disability rating of 30 percent for patellar instability effective February 2, 2022. The claim for an initial compensable rating for right lower extremity scar is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left foot hallux valgus/hallux rigidus and a compensable rating for linear left foot 1st metatarsal head scar, residual of fusion with screw and plate placement surgery associated with left foot hallux valgus/hallux rigidus.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a sexually transmitted disease, denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent disabling for pseudofolliculitis barbae and seborrheic dermatitis, but granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board granted ratings of 20 percent for right and left knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis and instability based on limited flexion and extension, as well as a rating of 10 percent for right and left knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis and instability based on patellar instability from August 4, 2023, to April 11, 2024. The claims for increased ratings for acne and scars of the posterior trunk were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for left foot scar with underlying soft tissue damage as the evidence did not support an area of at least 6 square inches (39 sq. cm.) but less than 12 square inches (77 sq. cm.).

The Board dismissed the appeals for various conditions due to untimely filings and concurrent review requests.

The Board remands the claim for a VA examination to address the Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection and special monthly compensation, as well as ratings for various conditions.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death while it was pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis, bilateral ankle disabilities, hypertension, left knee disability, right little finger disability, and left hand scar as the evidence did not support a higher rating under applicable criteria.

The Board granted readjudication of the claims for restoration of service connection and the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, as new and relevant evidence was received.

The Board denied service connection for a compensable disability rating for the scar on the left upper thigh, residual shrapnel wounds, and PTSD. However, it granted service connection for alcohol abuse disorder as secondary to PTSD and neuropathy of the feet also as secondary to alcohol abuse disorder.

The Board remands the claims for further development, including providing notice of the Veteran's right to a hearing and determining whether an examination is necessary.