The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his residual surgical scar associated with coronary artery disease is denied as the scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's scars are superficial and linear, covering less than 144 square inches (929 sq. cm), which do not meet the requirements for a compensable rating under the relevant Diagnostic Codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Coronary artery disease, Residual surgical scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- January 31, 2020
- Citation
- 20007819
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,429 · Granted: 29% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 20007819.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
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- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since September 27, 2010. Additionally, he is in receipt of a 60 percent disability rating for coronary artery disease, which meets the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for HISA benefits is granted as the modification requested (a barrier free, roll-in shower) falls within the scope of HISA and addresses his medical need due to his service-connected coronary artery disease.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an adequate VA examination, which is necessary for a fully informed decision on the Veteran's heart disability claim.
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