Scars decisions — 2026

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for headaches, painful surgical scar, left chest, hypertension, left elbow degenerative joint disease, and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome due to incomplete VA treatment records.,No effective date earlier than specified dates was granted as there is no probative evidence showing the conditions had their onset during service or are otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disorder, left parotidectomy residuals, head scar, OSA, back disorder, right knee disorder, and right ankle disorder have been granted service connection. The Veteran's TBI, jaw disorder, hearing loss, IBS, right elbow disorder, and left ankle disorder have not been granted service connection.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for stasis dermatitis and service connection for left knee chondromalacia with degenerative joint disease have been denied. The appeal on the claim of entitlement to a separate rating for cellulitis secondary to venous disease is dismissed, as is the appeal on the claim of entitlement to TDIU for periods prior to September 27, 1999, and from August 27, 2001.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities and left knee scar. Specifically, it is requested that VA obtain any outstanding records of non-VA treatment from Dr. Richard Weiner and conduct new examinations for the Veteran's knee disabilities and left knee scar.

The rating reductions from 100% to 70% for PTSD with major depressive disorder and from 40% to 30% for residual painful scars of the trunk and lower extremities were improper. The ratings have been restored.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not show actual improvement in her ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work, as evidenced by consistent symptoms and functional limitations.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted a 10% rating, effective May 1, 2018. The Board denied the claim for TDIU due to lack of substantial gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected left foot scar and related conditions are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. An additional VA examination is needed to assess the severity and manifestations of his service-connected residual scar from left foot fibromatosis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The low back disability was granted a 40 percent rating, but no higher. Other conditions had their ratings denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right eye disability is related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's right knee scars are painful and the Board has granted a 10% rating for these scars, effective December 30, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for early nuclear cataracts, bilateral corneal scars, and residuals of a right hand injury. The Veteran's conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's left foot sesamoidectomy and left foot scars, finding that the symptoms are severe enough to warrant this higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the need of personal care services, and his PCAFC request was denied. The Board finds that the AOJ did not provide proper notice and reasoning for the denial, and thus remands the case to obtain a new determination based on updated regulations.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for lumbar fusion scarring was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.,Service connection for hypertension due to herbicide exposure (PACT Act) is granted.

The Veteran's desmoid fibromatosis (soft tissue sarcoma) with surgical scarring is granted as service connected due to exposure to burn pits and other toxins during her service in the United Arab Emirates in 2009, effective August 10, 2022. Prior to this date, she had presumptive service connection based on the PACT Act.

The Board has granted service connection for hysterectomy residuals and a hysterectomy scar, finding that the Veteran's reproductive issues during active duty resulted in her requiring a hysterectomy.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for meningitis. The appeals for increased ratings for left ankle, right ankle, and left shoulder disabilities are REMANDED.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for chronic neuralgia and eustachian tube dysfunction due to withdrawal by the appellant. The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is granted, but the cervical spine degenerative arthritis and scar from hernia repair are remanded for further development.

The Veteran is granted a higher level of SMC at the intermediary level N1/2 from October 20, 2020 to June 7, 2022. This decision resolves doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's right common peroneal nerve impairment is rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The left girdle and arm, as well as other muscle groups affected by shrapnel wounds, are currently assigned appropriate ratings based on their severity.