Scars decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for lupus and denied increased ratings for allergic rhinitis, hypertension, and a scar on the right upper extremity. However, it granted an increased 10 percent disability rating for Gilles De La Tourette's syndrome with intermittent twitching, right side of body.

The Board denied an increased rating for the left great toe disability but granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a left shoulder condition, kidney stones, and scars on the scalp and head due to outstanding records and an inadequate medical opinion.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for service connection of coronary artery disease, left lower extremity scar, and left upper extremity scar, but denied an earlier effective date for hypertension. The Board also granted a 10% rating for hypertension.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's bilateral knee and hip conditions, except for a 50 percent rating from November 29, 2019, for right hip status post arthroplasty and a similar rating for left hip status post arthroplasty. The effective date for service connection of scars on the knees and hips was set to May 17, 2021.

The Veteran is entitled to a total disability evaluation based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) from November 30, 2018, to February 5, 2020, due to his service-connected CAD.

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD effective April 9, 2019, and denied an earlier effective date for uterine polyps and fibroids with uterine bleeding.

The Board remanded several claims for further development, including service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and headaches secondary to allergic rhinitis, as well as increased ratings for low back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, allergic rhinitis, penile scars, and tinea cruris in the groin.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the left lower leg scar and status post left leg surgery, effective March 9, 2023.

The Board granted a 50 percent rating for residual scars of the head, face, or neck and a 30 percent rating for unstable or painful scars. The appeal was denied for a higher rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a 10 percent evaluation for abdominal scars, but remanded the issue of an increased evaluation for further examination.

The Veteran's CAD was granted a rating of 60 percent from November 6, 2018, but no higher. The cardiac pacemaker and scars were denied ratings.

The Board dismissed or denied service connection for various conditions, including back pain, mental health disorders, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The claims were not granted.

The Board granted a higher rating of 100 percent for the Veteran's skin cancer due to ongoing antineoplastic chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

The Board granted service connection for acne with acne scarring, finding that the Veteran's condition had its onset during active service and has been chronic since then.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for a right shin scar, as the evidence did not support a higher rating under applicable criteria.

The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of November 17, 2015, for the grant of individual unemployability (TDIU) and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for left and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, denied ratings in excess of the assigned levels for lumbar spine disability and cardiac disability, and granted TDIU.

The Board found that new and relevant evidence had not been received to readjudicate the claim for service connection for a lung condition, including bibasilar reticular scarring.

The veteran withdrew all appeals for service connection of various conditions, including right ankle strain, chin scar, left hip strain, and others.