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Whole decision: Denied

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his tender keloid scars, residuals of shell fragment wounds, right side of neck was denied. The Board found that the current 30 percent rating is appropriate throughout the appeal period based on the presence of two characteristics of disfigurement: length and width of the scar. The claim of CUE in the July 1970 rating decision was also denied.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's scars do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code, as they do not show visible or palpable tissue loss, gross distortion or asymmetry of features, or four or more characteristics of disfigurement. The Board found that there is no evidence of additional disability due to the scar.

Claimed conditions
Tender keloid scars, residuals of shell fragment wounds, right side of neck
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
February 14, 2014
Citation
1406556

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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1406556.

What this means for you

A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.

What you can do next

Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

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