The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating greater than 10 percent for his service-connected left neck scar, residual of biopsy, as there is no evidence showing any characteristics of disfigurement.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected left neck scar did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7800 due to lack of compensable disability.
- Claimed conditions
- left neck scar, residual of biopsy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- August 14, 2019
- Citation
- 19163123
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 19163123.
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's service connection for left neck scar was granted, while the claims for left sciatic radicular pain, hypoesthesia, paresthesia of the left lower extremity, right ankle pain, and right wrist and hand pain were denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (small cell lung cancer with asbestosis, esophageal cancer, and left neck scar) prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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.