The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as it was not factually ascertainable that an increase in disability of any of the scars occurred within one year prior to September 22, 2014.,Service connection for PTSD was granted effective from September 22, 2014.
The deciding factor: The Board found it not factually ascertainable that an increase in disability of any of the scars occurred within one year prior to September 22, 2014 based on the evidence of record.,Service connection for PTSD was granted effective from September 22, 2014 as this is the date of receipt of the application to reopen.
- Claimed conditions
- Linear scar of the left lower extremity status post herniorrhaphy, Painful scars of the forehead, left neck status post brachial cleft cyst removal and left lower extremity status post herniorrhaphy, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Scars of the forehead and left neck status post left neck brachial cleft cyst removal
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 16, 2019
- Citation
- 19154969
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 19154969.
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: Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for a right knee scar secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability status post knee replacement. However, the rating for PTSD remains at 30 percent and needs to be re-adjudicated due to a failure to obtain private mental health treatment records.
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