The Veteran's initial rating for epidermal inclusion cyst is denied, and his increased rating for a residual head scar associated with the cyst is also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the Veteran's epidermal inclusion cyst or its associated scar meets the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- epidermal inclusion cyst
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 28, 2023
- Citation
- 23012316
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 23012316.
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for left foot arthritis was granted, while the claim for an epidermal inclusion cyst was dismissed. Other claims were remanded for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim due to issues with proper notice and development, including verifying his current address and obtaining necessary medical opinions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected epidermal inclusion cyst and residual scar, as well as a claim of headaches. The VA is to schedule an examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's headache symptoms.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claim for epidermal inclusion cyst is granted, while his claim for a skin disorder other than epidermal inclusion cyst is denied.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.