Marine Veteran Keith Buckmon was seriously wounded by a suicide bomber in Iraq in 2008, requiring extensive reconstruction of both legs and his right arm. (Photo: U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tyler L. Main)
A new VA watchdog review found a high rate of errors in disability decisions involving Veterans with service-connected painful scars.
The VA Office of Inspector General examined decisions made by the Veterans Benefits Administration between June 2024 and May 2025. Investigators estimated that about 38 percent of the decisions reviewed contained at least one mistake, representing roughly 17,900 cases.
The review focused on claims in which the VA granted service connection for a painful scar or increased the disability rating for a scar that was already service connected. The findings do not mean that 38 percent of all VA disability claims were processed incorrectly.
One of the most common problems involved how claims processors determined whether a scar qualified as painful. VA guidance requires objective evidence supporting a Veteran’s report of pain or tenderness before a compensable rating is assigned. Investigators found cases where ratings were granted based on reported pain even though the required physical examination did not document supporting findings.
The OIG also identified problems with what the VA calls “pyramiding,” which occurs when the same symptoms are compensated more than once under different disability codes. VA systems did not always alert claims processors when that happened.
Errors were not limited to high ratings. Investigators also found cases where Veterans with previously service-connected scars later developed pain but did not receive a separate evaluation under the appropriate painful-scar criteria.
At least 920 of the errors identified by investigators contributed to an estimated $5.6 million in overpayments to Veterans. The OIG said those costs could continue until the affected decisions are corrected.
The problem also appeared to continue after the initial review period. After discussing its early findings with the Veterans Benefits Administration, the OIG examined 30 additional decisions completed in January 2026. Thirteen contained errors, a rate of about 43%.
The OIG issued three recommendations. They include correcting the cases identified during the review, revising the questionnaire used to document scars so examiners provide the information needed to determine whether pain is supported by physical findings, and providing additional guidance to employees responsible for rating painful scars.
The Veterans Benefits Administration agreed with all three recommendations. As of Oct. 21, one recommendation involving changes to the scars disability questionnaire had been completed, while two remained open.
Veterans with painful service-connected scars who have questions about their rating can review their VA decision or seek help from an accredited Veterans Service Officer. A rating error does not automatically mean a Veteran’s benefits will change, but the OIG findings show why accurate medical examinations and disability evaluations remain important when compensation decisions are made.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
