Scars decisions — 2026

The Board has decided to remand the case due to procedural errors and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for an increased disability rating for service-connected left shoulder scars, and the Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of November 8, 2012, for the grant of service connection for scar of posterior right hip is granted. The initial disability ratings for bilateral hip disabilities are denied.

The appellant's TDIU claim is granted, and his left eye disability rating remains at 30 percent. The effective date for the increased rating of the left knee disability under DC 5260 is set to June 9, 2017. The issues regarding the left knee flexion and arthroscopy scar are remanded.

The Board has granted a 70% rating for the service-connected right hip disability, effective from May 1, 2019. The reduction in the rating was invalid due to improper grounds and the appeal is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, throat cancer and its complications, neck numbness, right shoulder numbness, and throat surgery scars. The AOJ will need to obtain relevant SSA records and VA treatment records, prepare a TERA memorandum and ILER report, and schedule an audiological examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea, insomnia, facial burn, skin disability, right hand scar, and heart disability have been denied as the evidence does not support a current diagnosis or relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of her acquired psychiatric disorder, low back disability, chronic migraines, skin condition, and respiratory condition.

The Veteran's neoplastic related fatigue is granted an initial disability rating of 20 percent, effective August 10, 2022. The service connection for testicular cancer, ED, and the scars are denied as there is no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, as well as claims for other conditions, were granted. However, the effective date is set at September 13, 2022, and no higher rating or additional benefits are awarded.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 19, 2019 for the award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and medical opinions to determine the severity of his back scars, lumbar spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination for rating purposes, and will need a new examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's liposarcoma, residual surgical scar status post liposarcoma resection, right lower extremity is rated at a noncompensable level (0%) and has been granted an initial evaluation of 10%.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic and femoral nerves), and back scar status post laminectomy are all granted effective December 22, 2013.,Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) is also granted effective December 22, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for eligibility to enroll in the PCAFC program was remanded due to errors in notification and lack of a clinical determination as to whether it is in the best interest of the Veteran to participate. The AOJ must obtain medical opinions, provide proper notice, and address these issues before making a final decision.

The Veteran's request for a rating in excess of 30 percent for right ankle fracture residuals with osteoarthritis was denied. A compensable rating (10%) was granted for the service-connected right ankle fracture surgical scar residuals.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from December 15, 1997 to March 1, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities has been dismissed because the Veteran died while his appeal was pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected, and he is assigned a 10 percent rating for his numbness in the left leg status post stab wound. The scar on the left thigh is also rated at 10 percent.