The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied. The unstable surgical scar associated with pilonidal cyst removal is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under DC 7804. The residuals of pilonidal cyst removal other than painful/unstable scar are not compensable. The coccygectomy residuals are already rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were denied as there was no evidence to support an increased evaluation for any of the conditions, and the current ratings under applicable DCs were deemed appropriate based on the medical findings and criteria provided in the Rating Schedule.
- Claimed conditions
- unstable surgical scar associated with pilonidal cyst removal, residuals of pilonidal cyst removal other than painful/unstable scar, residuals of coccygectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 3, 2023
- Citation
- 23042594
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 23042594.
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 necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance, which has been established by medical evidence and consistent lay statements. As a result, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or vision. Therefore, the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment are not met.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
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.