The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for scars of the head, scalp, and face prior to February 9, 2016 is denied as there is no evidence of visible or palpable tissue loss or six or more characteristics of disfigurement. The claim for a compensable initial rating for scars of the bilateral upper extremities is also denied due to lack of qualifying criteria under DC 7805.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's scars do not meet the schedular criteria for an increased rating as they do not demonstrate visible or palpable tissue loss, nor six or more characteristics of disfigurement. The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran has depressed scars which would constitute additional disabling effects under DC 7805.
- Claimed conditions
- Scars of the head, scalp, and face, Scars of the bilateral upper extremities
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- September 4, 2018
- Citation
- 18131598
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 18131598.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted as his PTSD is now considered service-connected.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left leg disability is reopened, and the appeal is granted.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
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.