The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for hidradenitis with residual scars and recurrent cysts on the buttocks was denied. The Board found that the scars did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 7801.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed deep and nonlinear scars, but they did not occupy an area of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm), which is required for a 20 percent rating under DC 7801.
- Claimed conditions
- hidradenitis, residual scars and recurrent cysts
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 11, 2019
- Citation
- 19103169
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 remands the matters for additional development, including obtaining any outstanding private or VA treatment records and readjudicating the claims based on all evidence of record.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the direct appeal for an earlier effective date and the motion for revision, on the basis of clear and unmistakable error, related to the award of service connection for hidradenitis.
- Granted
The Board granted an initial rating of 10 percent for hidradenitis, as the condition most closely approximates deep acne affecting less than 40 percent of areas other than the face and neck.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the veteran's claim for service connection of skin conditions, including basal cell carcinoma. The decision was based on a new diagnosis and the need for additional development.
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