The Veteran's disability for a painful scar, chin was granted an increased rating of 40 percent from August 2, 2019. The effective date for the earlier increased ratings for scars, face and head were granted as April 30, 2022, but denied prior to May 3, 2022.
The deciding factor: The evidence of record supported an increase in the rating due to the presence of five or more unstable and painful scars on the chin and six characteristics of disfigurement for the face and head. The adjustment disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to May 3, 2022.
- Claimed conditions
- painful scar, chin, scars, face and head, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 1, 2025
- Citation
- A25029633
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA, but denied increased ratings for various service-connected conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating for the service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, finding that the earliest possible effective date had been assigned.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for hemorrhoids, scars, low back disability, left ankle disability, left and right shoulder disabilities, and left and right hip disabilities as the evidence did not show that the Veteran had these conditions or related symptoms during the appeal period.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right and left knee, ankle, and leg disabilities.
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