The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his facial scars, tracheotomy scar, fractured nose with deviated septum, and cystoid macular edema of the right eye are denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under applicable VA rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The veteran's conditions have been evaluated based on their current manifestations and symptoms, which do not warrant an increase in disability ratings beyond those currently assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- Mood disorder due to head trauma with mixed features, Facial scars, Tracheotomy scar, Fractured nose with deviated septum, Cystoid macular edema of the right eye
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 9, 2003
- Citation
- 0312043
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0312043.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection of facial scars to obtain an addendum opinion addressing the etiology of the Veteran's skin disorder, including considering his in-service skin complaints and treatment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in that the AOJ failed to obtain service treatment records.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's effective date for service connection of PTSD is granted as May 29, 2006, but no earlier. The claims for service connection for digestive disorder, eating disorder, acne, facial scars, and depression are remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for facial scars and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.