The Board denied the claims for an increased rating for scars of the lateral side of the neck and left lateral side of the face, as well as a higher rating for tender scars of the lateral side of the neck.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of one feature or paired set of features, or two or three characteristics of disfigurement. The scars were found to be less than 5 inches in length and did not have surface contour of scar elevated or depressed on palpation.
- Claimed conditions
- tender scars, lateral side of neck, scars of the lateral side of neck and left lateral side of face
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 1, 2025
- Citation
- 25004375
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
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