The Veteran's service-connected right lower extremity scars are granted a 20 percent rating, but no higher. The left ankle strain/sprain is denied any increase in rating beyond the current 10 percent. Service connection for PTSD and lumbar spine condition are also granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports the grant of a 20 percent rating for right lower extremity scars due to painful conditions, but no higher as there were only three scars considered service-connected. The left ankle strain/sprain is rated at 10 percent and not in excess of this level given the limited range of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- Right lower extremity scars, Left ankle strain/sprain, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Lumbar spine condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 21, 2024
- Citation
- A24059065
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 A24059065.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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.
- 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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for a right knee scar secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability status post knee replacement. However, the rating for PTSD remains at 30 percent and needs to be re-adjudicated due to a failure to obtain private mental health treatment records.
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