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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0005411.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's left knee disability, including his scars and total knee arthroplasty, is rated at a maximum of 60 percent effective September 1, 2023.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected DVT contributed to his death from intracranial hemorrhage. The appellant submitted evidence suggesting warfarin use increased the risk of intracranial hemorrhage.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's eligibility to specially adapted housing (SAH) is granted due to his permanent and total disability involving both lower extremities, which precludes locomotion without the aid of assistive devices. The appeal for special home adaptation (SHA) is dismissed as it is rendered moot by the grant of SAH.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from September 1, 2008 to May 20, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities making him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.
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