The Veteran's claims for higher ratings of facial and posterior scalp scars, painful scars on the posterior scalp, and PTSD with depression and anxiety have been denied. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions warrant a rating higher than the currently assigned 70 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not demonstrate additional impairment beyond what is already contemplated by the current 70 percent rating for PTSD with depression and anxiety, which includes consideration of symptoms such as occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- Claimed conditions
- Facial and posterior scalp scars, Posterior scalp painful scars, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with depression and anxiety
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20053939
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 20053939.
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: Partly granted
The appeal regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was dismissed, but the Veteran's claims for direct service connection for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and an initial 10 percent rating for hypertension were granted. The claim for service connection for GERD was remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD with depression and anxiety and TBI with peripheral vestibular disorder due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for facial and posterior scalp scars, painful scars on the posterior scalp, PTSD with depression and anxiety, and TDIU due to evidence of worsening symptoms and the need for updated medical records.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety are related to service, including his allegations of handling personal effects of deceased soldiers and moving caskets. The case will be remanded for this purpose.
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