The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings on several service-connected conditions, including surgical scarring of the neck based on disfigurement and dysphagia (swallowing impairment), was granted. However, his claims for secondary service connection were remanded.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support higher ratings for some conditions or secondary service connection for others.
- Claimed conditions
- Surgical scar of the neck based on disfigurement, Painful surgical scarring of the neck, Muscle Group XXIII injury (neck and shoulder), Dysphagia (swallowing impairment), Dysarthria (speech impairment), Residuals of right distal fibula fracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 21, 2020
- Citation
- 20004608
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20004608.
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).
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