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Denied

The Veteran's right ear and right head scars, residuals of skin cancer are not rated higher than 10 percent due to lack of visible or palpable tissue loss and characteristics of disfigurement.,The Veteran's right shoulder scar, residuals of skin cancer is not rated more than 0 percent as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7802.,The Veteran's left shoulder scar, residuals of skin cancer is also not rated more than 0 percent as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7802.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show visible or palpable tissue loss and characteristics of disfigurement in the Veteran's right ear and right head scars, which are rated under Diagnostic Code 7800. The scars were superficial and not associated with underlying soft tissue damage.,The Veteran's right shoulder scar was not manifest by an area or areas of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) or greater, as required for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7802. It was also not deep and non-linear, nor associated with underlying soft tissue damage.,Similarly, the Veteran's left shoulder scar did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7802 due to its superficial nature and lack of underlying soft tissue damage.

Claimed conditions
Right ear and right head scars, residuals of skin cancer, Right shoulder scar, residuals of skin cancer, Left shoulder scar, residuals of skin cancer
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
August 14, 2024
Citation
A24046814

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 A24046814.

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