Scars decisions — 2025

The veteran has formally requested the withdrawal of all pending appeals before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and granted service connection for a left anterior tibia scar, status post hematoma laceration. The claims for bilateral pes planus (flat feet) and sleep apnea were dismissed, while the remaining claims were remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for Raynaud's syndrome, left eye chronic conjunctivitis with residual bilateral dry eye syndrome and bilateral corneal scars, and bilateral recurrent pneumothoraces.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for peripheral neuropathy in the femoral nerves but denied earlier effective dates and higher ratings for other conditions.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's abdominal scar status post nephrectomy and remanded claims for an increased evaluation for service-connected nephrectomy status post cancer and service connection for hyperthyroidism.

The Board denied the Veteran's motions to reverse or revise prior rating decisions on grounds of clear and unmistakable error (CUE), finding no such errors in the March 1971 and August 2004 decisions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for major depressive disorder with anxious distress and insomnia, painful right hand laceration scar, right hand laceration scar associated with underlying soft tissue damage, and hypertension.

The Board granted service connection for pancreatic cancer and post operative scars on the abdomen, secondary to pancreatic cancer.

The Board denied or dismissed the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates, higher ratings, and service connection for various conditions, with some grants of earlier effective dates and initial ratings.

The Board granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, acne keloidalis nuchae with painful scarring, left knee disability, and left and right shin splints.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a temporary total rating based on convalescence and entitlement to specially adapted housing, as he was not service-connected for a lumbar spine disability at the time of his spinal laminectomy in December 2019, and there is no evidence of loss or loss of use of any extremities that would preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and assistance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for an extension of time to file a Board Appeal request, dismissing the attempted appeals.

The Board remands the claims for an initial compensable rating and evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right femur fracture s/p ORIF surgery, as a new examination is needed to provide adequate range of motion testing during flare-ups and repeated use over time.

The Board granted the effective date of April 5, 2002, for the award of service connection for various disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance/housebound status due to a lack of evidence showing that her service-connected disabilities rendered her in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound.

The Board denied an initial compensable disability rating for the Veteran's back scar and remanded issues related to increased ratings for lumbar spine, left knee, and radiculopathy disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied initial compensable disability ratings for various scars, inguinal hernia, and other conditions. The issues related to lumbar discogenic pain with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, thoracic spine pain, adjustment disorder, alcohol use disorder, right clavicle facture, and left hand boxer's fracture were remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, finding that the evidence did not support a higher or compensable rating for any of the conditions on appeal.

The Board remands the veteran's claims for increased ratings due to a need for additional development, including VA examinations and clarification of the Veteran's wishes regarding his claims.