The Veteran's initial ratings for laceration of the left ear and a left ear scar have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show any characteristics of disfigurement, unstable scars, or other disabling effects associated with the scarring that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- laceration left ear, left ear scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 8, 2020
- Citation
- A20018187
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantial, gainful employment, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is granted.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for brain tumor, left knee instability, and left ear scar. However, it granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's left knee meniscectomy.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an increased rating for the left ear scar and granted a separate 10 percent rating for pain, while denying service connection for several conditions including left hamstring strain.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.