The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cysts, right thumb scar, and prurigo nodularis. The right thumb scar is currently rated as 10 percent disabling due to impairment comparable to favorable ankylosis of the thumb. Prurigo nodularis is currently rated as 30 percent disabling based on constant itching and extensive lesions.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not establish a direct service connection for cysts, right thumb scar, or prurigo nodularis. The Board found that there was no competent medical evidence linking the current conditions to service or an undiagnosed illness in the Gulf War.
- Claimed conditions
- Cysts, Right Thumb Scar due to Residuals of Dupuytren's Contracture, Prurigo Nodularis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 13, 2002
- Citation
- 0201496
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 0201496.
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 claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of neurogenic bladder is granted, effective July 16, 2020.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his neurogenic bladder condition is denied. The current rating of 60 percent is maintained.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and readjudication due to a failure to report for a VA examination, conflicting medical evidence of record, and issues related to secondary service connection.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's prurigo nodularis was granted service connection and an increased rating of 30 percent from September 26, 2019. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder has been granted a 70 percent rating, and his Prurigo Nodularis has been granted a 30 percent rating.
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