The Board denied initial compensable disability ratings for the Veteran's service-connected left upper chest scarring with keloid formation status-post pacemaker placement, right knee surgical scar status post total knee arthroplasty (TKA), surgical abdominal scar, and gunshot wound scar to the left leg and thigh. The appeal seeking service connection for ischemic heart disease, erectile dysfunction, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was dismissed.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a finding that any of the scars were painful or unstable, covered an area of 144 square inches (929 square centimeters) or greater, or had disabling effects not considered in the scar rating criteria. There was also no procedural defect with the filing of the Veteran's appeal for service connection for ischemic heart disease and COPD.
- Claimed conditions
- Left upper chest scarring with keloid formation status-post pacemaker placement, Right knee surgical scar status post total knee arthroplasty (TKA), Surgical abdominal scar, Status post gunshot wound scar to the left leg and thigh
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 28, 2025
- Citation
- A25018684
Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine
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.