The Veteran's scars have been rated based on their pain and not by limitation of function. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not show more than one or two painful scars.,Prior to September 3, 2017, the Veteran did not meet criteria for a compensable initial evaluation due to lack of systemic therapy over the past year.,From September 3, 2017 to August 20, 2018, the Veteran's scar with abscess warranted a 10 percent rating based on intermittent systemic therapy less than six weeks over the prior year. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating as the scar did not meet criteria for more severe ratings.,From August 20, 2018 to present, the Veteran's scar with abscess does not warrant a compensable rating due to lack of systemic therapy and other factors.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support higher ratings based on the nature or severity of the scars.
- Claimed conditions
- Painful scar, anterior trunk (appendectomy/inguinal hernia repair), Scar with abscess, anterior trunk (appendectomy/inguinal hernia repair)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 28, 2023
- Citation
- 23054045
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 23054045.
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