Scars decisions — 2026

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal of his service connection claims, finding that the appeal was untimely and no good cause for extension was provided.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss were denied. The Veteran was granted an initial 50% rating for migraine headaches, a 60% rating for herpes labialis and genital herpes, and her claim for painful umbilical scars status post c-section and hernia repair was granted with a 20% rating. Her claims of service connection for sciatic radicular pain, hypoesthesia, and paresthesia of the left lower extremity and an initial rating higher than 10 percent for allergic rhinitis are being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection must be remanded due to procedural errors and need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, anterior neck scar, and hypothyroidism have been granted service connection with effective dates of January 19, 2023.,Effective dates for the grant of service connection for sleep apnea, anterior neck scar, and hypothyroidism are set at January 19, 2023.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of facial reconstruction, finding that the evidence did not support a direct link to his service or any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's right hip disorder and scar were granted service connection with effective dates of December 7, 2016.,Tinnitus was granted a 10% disability rating with an effective date of December 7, 2016. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating.,Service connection for the psychiatric disorder and low back disorder were granted with effective dates of July 15, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance of another person, resulting in the grant of SMC at the A&A rate. The question of entitlement to SMC on account of being housebound is moot due to the grant of SMC based on A&A.

The Veteran's wife has been providing regular care and assistance to the Veteran since February 13, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board grants an effective date of February 13, 2017 for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for service-connected scar to right forearm, status post melanoma is denied.,Service connection for left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome and right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's right hip disability is granted as service-connected due to aggravation during active duty. As of July 1, 2024, he receives a 60% rating for his total right knee replacement surgery. The Board also grants an increased initial rating of 30% for his right knee patellar instability prior to January 24, 2024. He is granted an earlier effective date for service connection on the right knee scar and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability and associated scars were granted effective May 31, 2017. However, the initial rating for OSA with asthma remains denied.

The Veteran's initial rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted at a 40 percent level, effective March 23, 2023. The appeal is denied for earlier effective dates and other issues.

The Board has found a duty to assist error occurred and remands the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran needs regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for annual clothing allowances for topical medications Urea 20% cream and Clobetasol propionate were denied as the evidence did not show that he used these medications for a service-connected skin condition.,The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance for Diclofenac was denied because it is not prescribed for a service-connected skin disability, but rather for muscle pain related to his musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for acne vulgaris with scarring, finding that his condition pre-existed service and was not aggravated by active duty.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her left knee and lumbar spine disabilities have been remanded. The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss, residuals of status post left knee surgeries, and a left knee surgical scar as they were not shown to be related to active military service.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted service connection with an effective date of February 20, 2014.,Service connection for degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis, status post lumbar L5-S1 laminectomy/discectomy, was also granted with the same effective date.

The Board has granted service connection for brachial cyst cancer and a residual scar due to brachial cyst cancer, both related to herbicide exposure during service. The decision is based on the presumption of exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claim for tinnitus was denied as there is no current diagnosis or present disability.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was also denied due to lack of evidence showing the condition manifested within one year after separation from service and not related to service.

The Board has found that the Veteran's lower lumbar pain, left eye retinal scarring and loss of vision, right ankle bone spurs, left ankle bone spurs, and left wrist surgery are not adequately addressed due to a lack of VA medical examinations. The Board is therefore remanding these issues for further action.