The claims for increase of the Veteran's service-connected scars on the left shoulder, abdomen, and left knee and upper shin are being remanded to secure additional evidence and arrange an examination to determine their current severity.
The deciding factor: The current ratings are based on outdated examination findings, and there is indication that the scars have increased in severity since then. Additionally, there may be pertinent VA treatment records from September 2005 that need to be obtained.
- Claimed conditions
- scars on the left shoulder, scar on the abdomen, scars on the left knee and the left upper shin
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 20, 2009
- Citation
- 0906324
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,699 · Granted: 17% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0906324.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right foot amputation and peripheral neuropathy, have resulted in loss of use of his right foot. The Board has determined that he is eligible for financial assistance to purchase an automobile and adaptive equipment due to this condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a scar on his abdomen is denied. The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for PTSD is also denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for a scar on the abdomen and an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD are both denied. The Board found that there is no evidence to support higher ratings based on the severity and frequency of the Veteran’s symptoms.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for left shoulder conditions was proper due to a prior dishonorable discharge, and thus restoration is denied.
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