Scars decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected shrapnel injuries and related skin conditions caused his clothing to stain and wear out at an increased rate, warranting annual clothing allowances for the use of topical medications.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates related to his right knee disabilities require additional development due to a lack of adequate VA examinations in relation to the period on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, lower back scar, and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities. Service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for migraines, a bilateral leg disorder, nerve damage of the right hand, and scarring of the right wrist and head. The Board found that there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound, nor does he have loss of use of both buttocks. The Board denied the claims for special monthly compensation based on these conditions.

The Veteran's right inguinal hernia, painful groin scar, and groin neuropathy have been granted increased ratings of 10%, 10%, and 10% respectively.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral ankle and knee disabilities, along with peripheral neuropathy and painful scars, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since August 1, 2024. The Board has granted entitlement to individual unemployability (TDIU) from that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for SMC purposes.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance, finding that his service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and assistance. However, the Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on housebound status due to the overlap between the conditions that qualify for both benefits.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been granted a maximum 50 percent rating, which is the highest available under current criteria.,Service connection has been established for left hip and low back disorders.

The Veteran's eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is being remanded due to a lack of explanation in the April 2021 decision regarding whether participation in the program was in his best interest. The Board finds that the Veteran requires personal care services due to disabilities including posttraumatic stress disorder, tension headaches, and others.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of chronic sinusitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, or right quadricep strain. For the issues related to bilateral plantar fasciitis, cervical spine disability, neck surgery scar, shoulder disabilities, ankle disabilities, knee disabilities, allergic rhinitis, and migraine headaches, the evidence did not support a finding that they were incurred in service.

The Board has restored service connection for hypertension, chronic kidney disease and renal insufficiency, arteriosclerotic heart disease, tonic-clonic seizures or grand mal epilepsy, and anterior trunk scar due to clear and unmistakable error in the original award of service connection.

The appeal of the earlier effective date for GERD disability is dismissed. The appeal of an earlier effective date for service connection for left hand scars is dismissed as it constitutes a freestanding claim and would otherwise be impermissible.

The Veteran's groin scars and bilateral inguinal hernia have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for a low back disability has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to a TDIU and an increased evaluation for left Achilles tendonitis. The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered her unable to work during certain periods, but further review is needed.

The Board has remanded several claims, including service connection for various conditions and anxiety disorder. The remaining issues will be addressed by the AOJ with a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment since January 23, 2013. The Board has granted a determination of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) with an effective date of January 23, 2013.

The Veteran's current disabilities, including atelectasis with left pleural effusion, congestive heart failure, inappropriate sinus tachycardia, and a left medial thigh surgical scar, are not service-connected under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to lack of informed consent for the February 2023 VA procedures.

The Board has granted service connection for atrial fibrillation secondary to hypertension, aortic valve disease and residuals, squamous cell carcinoma and residuals, malignant melanoma and residuals, and basal cell carcinoma and residuals. The Veteran's exposure to herbicide agent in Vietnam is presumed.