The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on various service-connected conditions were denied. The rating of 20 percent for painful scars, to include of the breast and torso, was granted from November 1, 2010, to December 19, 2016, but denied thereafter. A compensable rating for residuals of an inguinal hernia was also denied. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability remains at a maximum 40 percent rating. Service connection claims were not granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes, and service connection claims were not granted due to lack of new and material evidence or other legal grounds.
- Claimed conditions
- Painful scars, Inguinal hernia residuals, Lumbar spine disability, Radiculopathy of the right leg affecting the sciatic nerve, Left knee disability, Right knee disability, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 18, 2022
- Citation
- 22058470
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 22058470.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU claim for bilateral knee disabilities and his right and left knee scars have been granted. He is now rated at a combined 60% disability rating from June 1, 2018 based on bilateral factors for his bilateral knee disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Granted
The Veteran's entitlement to higher level of SMC at the intermediate rate is granted, effective from January 8, 2021. He was previously in need of aid and attendance due to his left knee disability since February 1, 2017, and now has additional disabilities rated at 50 percent or more.
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