The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for a chest scar and PTSD with alcohol abuse were denied by the Board. The current 10% rating for the chest scar is maintained, while the 50% rating for PTSD with alcohol abuse remains unchanged.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for an increase in either condition as evaluated under the applicable diagnostic codes and General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
- Claimed conditions
- chest laceration residual scar, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with alcohol abuse
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 10, 2016
- Citation
- 1605257
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1605257.
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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and PTSD with alcohol abuse, as the Veteran's psychiatric disorder did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The veteran withdrew their appeal for higher ratings for PTSD with alcohol abuse, right shoulder disability, and right wrist disability. The Board dismissed the appeal.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher ratings in any of his conditions, including PTSD with alcohol abuse.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including obtaining missing VA medical records and scheduling additional examinations. The TDIU issue is inextricably intertwined with the remaining claims.
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