The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of March 31, 2021, for a 20 percent rating increase for painful scars is granted. The evidence was in approximate balance regarding the number of painful scars.

The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence was in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran has had three painful scars since March 31, 2021.

Claimed conditions

painful scars left anterior, posterior, lateral chest wall associated with residuals shell fragment wound left anterior chest wall

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

20%

Decision date

January 16, 2025

Citation

A25004061

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