The Board found that the Veteran's chest scar did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it was not painful, unstable, not well-healed, limited function of the chest or other area of the body, and did not cover 6 square inches or more.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence showed that the Veteran's chest scar did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under either the old or new diagnostic codes due to lack of severity in terms of pain, instability, healing, or coverage area.
- Claimed conditions
- chest scar
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 24, 2017
- Citation
- 1709141
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 1709141.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's chest scar, which resulted from a burn injury during her INACDUTRA period in November 2020, is service-connected.
- Granted
The Board found that the appellant is eligible to receive fees from past due benefits awarded in the portion of the June 2024 rating decision granting higher ratings for bilateral upper and lower extremity diabetic neuropathy. The appeal was denied regarding eligibility for fees related to a chest scar rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for TDIU, special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria, and Dependents' Educational Assistance prior to June 9, 2023, as these issues are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.
- Granted
The Veteran's VA treatment records show that he required regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including chronic valley fever fungus residuals, PTSD with associated mood/affective disorder, sleep apnea, and multiple peripheral neuropathies. The Board granted the claim for an earlier effective date of April 11, 2023, for the award of SMC based on aid and attendance.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.