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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A24078882.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
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