Scars decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) is denied because he does not have a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling, and his disabilities do not meet the requirements of SMC under this section.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for various conditions as the appellant withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective October 23, 2024.

The Veteran's appeals for the proposed reduction of facial scars, an increased rating for tinnitus, and service connection for migraines have been dismissed due to untimely filings or lack of good cause.

The Board denied initial compensable ratings for left lower abdomen, left arm, and right arm scars associated with xerosis-cutis as the evidence did not show that any of these scars were painful or unstable.

The Veteran's entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hypothyroidism is being remanded. The restoration of a 10 percent evaluation for painful scars of the left knee from January 26, 2020 through January 26, 2021 is granted.

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability evaluation for his lumbar spine disability from 40% to 20%, and denied an increased rating for his lower back scar.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including instability and patellofemoral pain syndrome, is rated at 10 percent since December 3, 2019. A separate 10 percent rating for left knee instability is granted as of that date. The higher rating claim for patellofemoral pain syndrome is denied. A 10 percent initial rating for a single left knee scar is also granted.

The Veteran's staph infection is granted service connection. The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral feet condition, ED, and scars related to his now service-connected staph infection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance from another person, resulting in the grant of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The issue of SMC at the housebound rate is dismissed as it is a lesser benefit than SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were granted with effective dates of March 31, 2006. The Veteran was found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his stroke and other disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates as they were received more than one year after her intent to file a claim, and no good cause extension was requested.

The Veteran's left lower eyelid scar has been granted a 10% rating, effective June 11, 2019. The decision also notes that the Veteran's left eye disability does not meet criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has restored service connection for TBI, head scar, and migraine headaches due to the AOJ's improper severance of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left knee chondromalacia with instability, status post total knee replacement was denied. A separate rating of 10 percent for painful left knee scar was granted.

The Board has determined that the March 2025 decision denying eligibility for PCAFC benefits is legally inadequate and remands the case to allow for a new medical determination considering all relevant evidence, including the Veteran's conditions and functional ability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer, CAD, and bilateral lower extremity nerve damage, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU.

The Veteran's lung scarring is rated at 30% and effective from August 9, 2023. The TDIU was granted earlier than April 5, 2011 but the Board denied an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability and right knee scar was denied, with the effective date being December 3, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records identified by the Veteran.