The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected laceration scars on his right middle finger and left thumb, finding that they did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected scars did not result in more than moderate incomplete paralysis of the affected nerves or limitation of motion of the fingers to a degree comparable to unfavorable ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- laceration scar of the right middle finger, scar of the left thumb
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 16, 2002
- Citation
- 0212165
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 0212165.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records from his in-service treatment at Great Lakes Naval Hospital. A VA examination will be conducted to determine the nature and etiology of any left thumb disorders, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and scar of the left thumb.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate the severity of his service-connected left thumb disabilities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his low back disability, current severity of his service-connected left thumb scar and digital nerve damage, and current severity of his bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran also requested a Travel Board hearing.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a nervous disorder to include depression, and compensable ratings for residuals of a scar of the left thumb and residuals of a fracture of the left ankle. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.
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