The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an effective date prior to April 2, 2007 for a separate evaluation of the right cheek skin graft scar were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations or earlier effective dates.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show actual limitation of extension or flexion sufficient to warrant higher ratings under relevant diagnostic codes, and there was no new evidence presented to reopen a previously denied claim.
- Claimed conditions
- Meniere's disease, healed mandible fracture, right cheek skin graft scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 30, 2009
- Citation
- 0928453
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 0928453.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for Meniere's disease, to include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), secondary to tinnitus and dismissed the claims for a left knee disability, right knee disability, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for Meniere's disease, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran and finding that his Meniere's disease was caused by acoustic trauma during military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent, prior to January 29, 2024, for service-connected Meniere's disease and tinnitus; special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s); and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to January 29, 2024.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial 100 percent rating for psychiatric disability and Meniere's disease, but denied SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.