Scars decisions — 2025

The veteran's right ear hearing loss is service-connected. The claim for a compensable evaluation of the surgical scar is remanded for further examination.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of March 31, 2021, for a 20% rating increase due to painful scars is granted. The decision was based on the evidence showing that the veteran had three painful scars since that date.

The veteran withdrew all claims, so the Board dismissed the appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for eustachian tube dysfunction, onychomycosis with residual right great toenail atrophy, and scars on the right lower extremity, left lower extremity, and left upper extremity.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed. The claim for an increased rating for hypertension was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) and residual scars of PFB, stating that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to bipolar disorder was granted. The veteran's request for an increased rating for right foot scars was also granted, but the claim for an increased rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis with left plantar calcaneal spur was remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for a scar on his left index finger, stating that the scar does not result in functional impairment.

The veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for hemorrhoids, a scar, and duodenal ulcer with GERD were denied. The claim for service connection for a stroke was remanded for further examination.

The Board remanded the claim for compensation due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error. The Veteran's claim for residuals of colon injury secondary to radiation treatment for prostate cancer will be reconsidered.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and various effective date claims. However, it granted a restoration of a 10 percent disability rating for right index finger scar and a 10 percent disability rating for left knee disability with flexion limitation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cholecystectomy, scars from gallbladder surgery as secondary to the cholecystectomy, and elevated liver enzymes because new and relevant evidence was not presented.

The veteran was granted an earlier effective date for hypertension and a rating for a stab wound. Other issues were remanded.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claim for service connection for a scar on the forehead is remanded for further evaluation.

The veteran was granted a 30% rating for GERD and a 50% rating for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis with arthritis and gout of the feet. All other claims were denied.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10% rating of left finger disability was granted, but other claims related to the left finger scar and increased ratings were denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and headaches have been granted service connection. The remaining issues of sinusitis, rhinitis, bronchitis, anemia, hysterectomy, hysterectomy surgery scars, insomnia (secondary to tinnitus), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (secondary to tinnitus) are remanded for further development.

The veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and dry eye syndrome were granted. Other claims, including those for appendectomy scars, PTSD, and an eating disorder, were denied or remanded.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of March 31, 2021, for a 20 percent rating increase for painful scars is granted. The evidence was in approximate balance regarding the number of painful scars.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings for right inguinal hernia repair, painful surgical scar, and surgical scar.