Scars decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and ratings for inguinal hernia and related scars.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date than June 11, 2003, for the award of service connection for a painful tragus scar in the right ear.

The Board remands the matter to ensure that all relevant records from Walton Correctional Facility are obtained, as required by a previous remand.

The Board denied all claims for revision based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) and the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance due to service-connected major depressive disorder (MDD), but denied SMC based on housebound status.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for increased ratings of several conditions, stating that the evidence did not show a factually ascertainable increase in disability within one year before the claim.

The Board remanded all issues to obtain more evidence and ensure a complete record.

The veteran is granted a 10% increased rating for their neck scar from June 4, 2021, to November 29, 2021. A separate rating for painful scars of the posterior neck is also granted. However, an increased rating higher than 10 percent from November 29, 2021, is denied.

The VA's decision to reduce the disability rating for the veteran's left mastoid area scar was found improper, and the original 20 percent rating has been restored.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a left hand disorder and lumbosacral strain was denied. The claim for facial scars related to pseudofolliculitis barbae was granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for several service-connected conditions, including unspecified bipolar I disorder and deviated nasal septum.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for verruca vulgaris prior to January 1, 2019 was denied. However, the veteran was granted a 30 percent disability rating for verruca vulgaris from January 1, 2019 and a 30 percent rating for verruca vulgaris scars from December 13, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for a scar on the right pinky finger was denied. The claims for sleep apnea and migraines were remanded for further evaluation.

The Board remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) to include on an extraschedular basis. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities and employment history will be reviewed.

The Board denied the veteran's request for a rating higher than 10 percent for his right forearm scar. The decision was based on evidence showing the scar is not unstable, linear, does not have underlying soft tissue damage, and does not limit function.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits.

The veteran's claim for service connection of a ring finger scar was granted. The claim for a left shoulder disability was remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for head injury, chest pain, and higher ratings for several conditions. It remanded decisions on compensable ratings for inguinal hernia and surgical scar.

The veteran's claim for service connection for athlete's foot and inguinal hernia was denied, but the claim for a surgical scar resulting from the inguinal hernia repair was granted.

The veteran's request for a rating higher than 70% for PTSD with opioid use disorder and TBI residuals was denied. However, the veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.