The Veteran's right knee scar is not considered unstable or painful, and does not cover an area of at least 39 square centimeters. Therefore, the claim for a compensable evaluation has been denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran had scars meeting the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7801 (deep and nonlinear) or Diagnostic Code 7802 (superficial and nonlinear).
- Claimed conditions
- scar of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 4, 2019
- Citation
- 19176979
Veterans Law Judge
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19176979.
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's service-connected disabilities have been found to render him unable to physically care for himself, thereby granting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the Veteran's radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as a scar on her right knee. However, it denied earlier effective dates for her back and right knee conditions.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on several service-connected conditions have been dismissed. The Veteran withdrew her appeal of the denial of higher ratings for right knee limited motion, left knee limited motion, right knee instability, for a scar of the right knee, and for allergic rhinitis.,Her request for an effective date earlier than February 26, 2020 for the 10 percent rating previously assigned for allergic rhinitis was also dismissed. The Veteran's appeal for increased PTSD to 70 percent has been granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and multiple orthopedic conditions, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he meets the requirements for a TDIU based on his combined disability ratings.
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.