The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for a right ankle surgical scar, as there was no evidence of a combined area of at least 6 square inches or any other disabling effects.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's right ankle surgical scar met the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes due to its size and lack of pain or instability.
- Claimed conditions
- right ankle surgical scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 9, 2025
- Citation
- 25006363
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.
- Partly granted
The veteran's right ankle disorder rating was increased to 20 percent. Other issues, including painful joints and surgical scars, were denied or remanded.
- Partly granted
The veteran's claims for higher ratings for ankle disabilities, scars, and tension headaches were denied. The claim for a higher rating for lumbar spine disability was remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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