The veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and post-traumatic stress disorder are currently evaluated, but the multiple scars of the face and neck do not warrant a compensable evaluation. The veteran is denied an increased rating for his lumbosacral strain and a compensable evaluation for his facial scars. His claim for individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was also denied as his disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The veteran's multiple scars of the face and neck are no more than slightly disfiguring, failing to meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7800. The lumbosacral strain is currently evaluated at 20 percent disabling, which meets the schedular requirements for a total rating based on unemployability.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, post-traumatic stress disorder, multiple scars of the face and neck
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 31, 2000
- Citation
- 0008846
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0008846.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of a lumbosacral strain, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to his in-service injury. The claimant did not contest this decision.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and IVDS. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury during active duty and his continuous symptoms since then.
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