The Board denied the veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for residuals of his left index finger fracture, finding that there was no demonstrable limitation of function and thus no basis for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The VA examination showed no demonstrable functional impairment or limitation of function in the left index finger, leading to a determination that a compensable rating is not warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- left index finger fracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 28, 2002
- Citation
- 0200962
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 0200962.
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 service-connected disabilities result in the need for regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD. The issue of SMC based on housebound status is dismissed as moot.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection for tinnitus, finding no claim was submitted prior to November 21, 2015. The Veteran's motion alleging clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the decision was denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and other issues are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
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