Scars decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss or permanent loss of use of a hand or foot, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ankylosis of one or both knees or hips, or permanent impairment of vision. Therefore, the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of one automobile or other conveyance with necessary automotive adaptive equipment are not met.

The Veteran's basal cell carcinoma and associated facial scarring are granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure during service.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) because the increase in disability occurred more than one year before the claim was filed, and the earliest possible effective date is August 19, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder renders her in need of regular aid and attendance for assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and protection from hazards or dangers incident to the daily environment. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of a 10 percent rating for a painful left shoulder scar, finding that evidence did not reflect a painful or unstable left shoulder scar prior to January 13, 2023.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for additional SMC under levels L through O.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence of a link between his claimed conditions and service. The Board will seek further clarification or evidence.

The Board denied effective dates prior to March 15, 2022, for the grants of service connection for various conditions including gunshot wound with residual scars, traumatic brain injury, headaches, fifth cranial nerve damage, seventh cranial nerve damage, left eye disorder, and brain hemorrhage.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for right forearm scars was denied as the evidence did not show any painful, unstable, or causative of limitation of function.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to correct a duty to assist error that occurred prior to the issuance of the HLR rating decision currently on appeal. The Board will obtain a VA examination to determine whether his service-connected disabilities alone render him in need of either regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for bilateral knee disabilities due to a duty to assist error in obtaining an examination that did not adequately consider all of the Veteran's symptoms.

The Veteran's urinary frequency disability is granted as service-connected. The right ankle scar issue is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 0 percent for pseudofolliculitis is remanded due to inadequate examination and failure to consider new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for basal cell carcinoma with scars associated with herbicide exposure, effective June 5, 2024. The PACT Act was used to grant this benefit.

The Board dismissed all appeals as the Veteran's claims for service connection were already granted in a previous decision.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including his total knee arthroplasty and scars, is rated at 60 percent for the period starting July 1, 2025. He also receives a separate 20 percent rating for right knee instability.

The Board denied service connection for residual bypass graft scars of the chest and left leg, finding no evidence to support a direct link between these conditions and the Veteran's active service. The TDIU claim was also remanded due to inadequate examination regarding the Veteran's voiding dysfunction.

The Veteran's appeal for a 10% rating based on multiple non-compensable service-connected disabilities is denied as he only has one disability rated at noncompensable level (hypertension) and another disability rated at noncompensable level (status post appendectomy scar).

The Veteran's initial 50 percent rating for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is granted. Other conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), type II diabetes, erectile dysfunction, nephrolithiasis and pyelonephritis, lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, and bilateral restless leg syndrome are also granted. Service connection is established for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to correct a duty to assist error that occurred prior to the issuance of the HLR rating decision currently on appeal. The Board will obtain a VA examination to determine whether his service-connected disabilities alone render him in need of either regular aid and attendance or housebound status.