Scars decisions — 2026

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to duty-to-assist errors and insufficient evidence regarding his Reserve service. The claims for left wrist injury, scar, psychiatric disorder, thumb disorders, TMJ, jaw infection, and dental disorder are being reviewed again.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the 30 percent rating for painful scars of the anterior trunk, but this is denied.,The Veteran also seeks a higher rating for his service-connected scars, which is denied.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound to the head with scarring and/or headaches, as well as left hand/finger injury, including gunshot wound to the left hand, due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a TBI is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a TBI.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his tender right leg scar is remanded due to the need for further evaluation and consideration of additional evidence.

The Veteran's radiculopathy conditions have been granted increased ratings, with the right and left lower extremities receiving a rating of 60 percent each. The Veteran's post-surgery scars are also rated at 10 percent.

The appeal for initial compensable rating for service-connected scar of the anterior cervical spine, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected tinnitus, and a rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected right shoulder impingement syndrome is dismissed. Service connection for a heart disability is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection were dismissed due to concurrent election of review options.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for left knee conditions, MDD, and a left knee disability; service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, PN, lumbar strain, and right knee strain; and entitlement to TDIU was denied. The appeal is dismissed as untimely.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to a single disability was denied as the evidence did not show that he had a single service-connected disability that rendered him unable to work. The issue of an effective date prior to July 15, 2009, for TDIU is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran is granted separate ratings of 30 percent for right knee limitation of flexion and extension, as well as a rating of 20 percent for right knee instability. The reduction in the Veteran's disability evaluation for her right knee scars was improper, and the 10 percent rating is restored.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or being permanently bedridden due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he did not meet the criteria under sections (1), (2), or (3) of 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l). The Board concluded that the Veteran was not permanently bedridden or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the initial compensable disability ratings for hypertension and lower abdominal scar are denied. The claim for an initial compensable rating for kidney transplant with chronic kidney disease is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a finding of TDIU effective January 1, 2020.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of September 24, 2020 for the award of a 70 percent rating for PTSD and a TDIU. The evidence shows that his PTSD symptoms have significantly impacted his ability to work since January 31, 2019.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, including its residuals, is granted as service-connected due to in-service exposure to AFFF foam.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and scarring tissue on lungs is denied.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for various ratings and service connection decisions were denied as they are impermissible freestanding claims.

The effective date for the award of service connection for erectile dysfunction and robotic prostatectomy scars is August 10, 2022. The Veteran's claim was based on the PACT Act.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied because he is not in need of such assistance due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that while the Veteran requires some help with daily activities, he does not meet the criteria for needing regular aid and attendance.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for painful scars, status post bilateral earlobe keloid excision and right foot crush injury. The separate compensable rating for residuals of laceration to the great toe of the right foot is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder with insomnia associated with tinnitus and headaches secondary to tinnitus, have rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.