The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for a superficial scar that is painful on examination, as secondary to the service connected disability of open heart surgery for mitral valve repair was denied. The Board also remanded his claim for a separate compensable rating for residual linear scar based upon limitation of muscle function, as secondary to the service connected open heart surgery for mitral valve repair.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's superficial scar is painful and stable, but not both unstable and painful. For the separate compensable rating claim, there is evidence that the scar may have limited his ability to use his abdominal muscles.
- Claimed conditions
- superficial scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 15, 2018
- Citation
- 18150741
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 18150741.
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.
- Denied
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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