The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected left wrist scar was denied as the scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating due to its size and lack of pain or instability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's scar did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7801 (burn scars) because it did not have an area of at least 6 square inches. The scar was also not painful or unstable, which would warrant additional evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7804.
- Claimed conditions
- left wrist surgical scar, left wrist ganglion cystectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 27, 2024
- Citation
- A24078882
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 A24078882.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal was denied for an earlier effective date of service connection. The initial ratings assigned for various disabilities were also denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, as his income has exceeded the poverty threshold level throughout the appeal period.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination regarding his left arm arteriovenous fistula. The initial rating for the left wrist surgical scar remains granted at 20 percent.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to follow a substantially gainful occupation, and he has maintained employment throughout the appeal period.
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.