The veteran's service-connected burn scars of the face and right ear are rated at 10 percent, while his burn scars of the right forearm, right hand, and left forearm are also rated at 10 percent. The Board found that these ratings were appropriate based on the current evidence.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected burn scars have not been shown to meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Burn Scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 25, 2002
- Citation
- 0217014
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 0217014.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's initial 10 percent rating for burn scars of the left leg and groin is granted. The case is remanded for further examination to determine if additional disabling effects warrant a separate compensable rating, and for new examinations to assess the severity of his PTSD with major depressive disorder and mild neurocognitive disorder, as well as TBI residuals.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not contribute to or cause his drowning and heart conditions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to pursue and maintain gainful employment.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found no evidence of burn scars or an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) incurred in service and denied both claims.
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