The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for a scar on the dorsum of the right middle metacarpal was denied as the evidence did not show that the scar caused impairment of function separate and distinct from the underlying bony abnormality.
The deciding factor: The scar was rated at the maximum level under Code 7804, which allows for a 10 percent rating for a superficial scar that is painful on examination. No other applicable criteria provided for a higher rating based on the degree of impairment shown.
- Claimed conditions
- scar on the dorsum of the right middle metacarpal
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 3, 2009
- Citation
- 0903780
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
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