The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating and earlier effective date for a 10 percent rating for deformity of the nose was denied. The maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 6502, 'septum, nasal, deviation of,' is already assigned, so no higher rating can be granted. For the earlier effective date claim, the Board found that the Veteran withdrew his appeal on this issue at a prior hearing and did not file a new claim until September 21, 2017, which was within one year of March 17, 2017, when an increase in disability was factually ascertainable.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's nasal deformity is already rated at the maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 6502 and no higher rating can be granted as it would not meet the criteria for a higher rating. For the earlier effective date claim, the Board found that the Veteran withdrew his appeal on this issue at a prior hearing and did not file a new claim until September 21, 2017, which was within one year of March 17, 2017, when an increase in disability was factually ascertainable.
- Claimed conditions
- deformity of the nose (claimed as nasal septum deviated and obstructed)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 5, 2020
- Citation
- 20064538
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.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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.