The Veteran's neck scar is granted a 10 percent rating effective September 23, 2016. The separate rating for dysphagia due to stenosis of the oropharynx is denied. The compensable rating for squamous cell carcinoma, floor of mouth (postoperative with dysphagia) is also denied. A rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss from October 12, 2022 is denied. An earlier effective date prior to May 18, 2022 for a TDIU is denied. Service connection for radiation fibrosis syndrome as a residual of squamous cell carcinoma, floor of mouth is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's neck scar was found to meet the criteria for a 10 percent rating under DC 7800 due to one characteristic of disfigurement (scar width less than 0.6 cm). The separate rating for dysphagia due to stenosis of the oropharynx is denied as there is no evidence of stricture warranting a separate disability rating. The compensable rating for squamous cell carcinoma, floor of mouth (postoperative with dysphagia) is also denied.
- Claimed conditions
- Neck Scar, Dysphagia due to stenosis of the oropharynx
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 15, 2023
- Citation
- A23036147
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 A23036147.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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