The Veteran was granted a 30 percent rating for five painful scars and a total disability based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) from November 25, 2020. Other claims were denied.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the severity of the pain associated with the scars and the Veteran's inability to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his combined service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Painful scars, Scar located on the left lateral face based on hyperpigmentation, Residuals scars located on the left posterior calf distal to the left anterior knee, Residual scars located on the right lateral calf and left palmar base of the thumb, Residual scars located on the left 3rd and 4th fingers, Residual scar located on the right posterior shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 1, 2025
- Citation
- A25029802
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 separate ratings for the Veteran's left knee pain and limited flexion, as well as earlier effective dates for service connection of disfiguring and painful scars. The decision also denied a higher rating for PTSD prior to February 5, 2024.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for several conditions, granted a 10 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy and an effective date of August 10, 2023, for the left elbow impairment of supination and pronation.
- 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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