The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for left abdominal and flank surgical scars, as well as insomnia disorder have been remanded due to the need for additional development. The Board found that his internal scar tissue was causing pain but not instability, warranting a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7804. For the abdominal muscle impairment, he is entitled to a separate 10 percent rating based on moderate injury of Muscle Group XIX. His insomnia disorder warrants an initial 30 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's internal scar tissue was causing pain but not instability, warranting a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7804 for painful scars. The abdominal muscle impairment is rated based on moderate injury of Muscle Group XIX.
- Claimed conditions
- Left abdominal and left flank surgical scars, Insomnia disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20023991
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 20023991.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal seeking an increased rating for PTSD (now evaluated as insomnia disorder) is dismissed because the Board has already adjudicated a similar issue in another docket.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and higher initial rating for his back disability is denied. The effective date remains March 29, 2021, as the earliest date of claim. An initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the back disability from March 29, 2021, is also denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's insomnia disorder, diagnosed after service but linked to her military service due to symptoms during and shortly after service, is granted as service-connected.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for insomnia disorder as secondary to the veteran's service-connected tinnitus. The claim for an increased rating for service-connected tinnitus was denied.
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