The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected left index finger amputation, shrapnel wound to the left thigh with involvement of Muscle Group XIV, and right arm scars. The residuals of a left knee scar were also not rated as compensable.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show any new or material evidence to reopen the claims for service connection, nor did it demonstrate additional disability beyond what was already considered in assigning the current ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Left index finger amputation, Shrapnel wound to the left thigh (involving Muscle Group XIV), Left knee scar, Right arm scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 29, 2000
- Citation
- 0005411
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 0005411.
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 Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied increased ratings for left shoulder, right knee, and left knee replacement conditions. However, the Board granted a 10 percent rating for the left knee scar and a 30 percent rating for the lumbar spine degenerative joint disease.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for various disabilities and granted earlier effective dates for service connection of scars, but denied an earlier effective date for individual unemployability.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for PTSD and restless leg syndrome, denied service connection for a respiratory disorder other than sinusitis and rhinitis, and granted an initial rating of 70 percent for depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder effective August 18, 2022.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis but granted a 10 percent rating, but not greater, for right and left knee scars.
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.