The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings were denied. The RO found that the scars of his face, forehead and neck did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7800. For the severed flexor tendons, right (dominant) second and third fingers, the RO determined they did not warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5219 or 5152-5156. The neuropathy of his left axillary nerve was rated as 30 percent disabling since March 26, 2008, but denied prior to that date. The third degree burn scars were not found to meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7800. Finally, the scarring of his right thigh did not warrant a compensable disability evaluation.
The deciding factor: The RO determined that none of the veteran's conditions met the criteria for a higher disability rating as per the applicable diagnostic codes and service connection theory.
- Claimed conditions
- Scars of the face, forehead and neck, Severed flexor tendons, right (dominant) second and third fingers, Neuropathy of the left axillary nerve status post dislocation of the left acromioclavicular joint and deformity of the humerus, Third degree burn scars of the right lower extremity, Scars of the right thigh
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 22, 2008
- Citation
- 0836180
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 0836180.
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: Denied
VA determined that the Veteran's scars do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability evaluation, as they are not tender or painful and do not cause limitation of function.,VA also found that the Veteran's traumatic arthritic residuals of a fractured left hip do not warrant an increased rating beyond 10 percent.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for scars of the right thigh, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current status of his service-connected scars.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
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