The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 19, 1997, for a higher rate of SMC based on loss of use of three extremities. The RO initially granted entitlement in October 1971 and later adjusted it based on a difference of opinion regarding the right hand.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show continuous loss of use of the right hand from October 1, 1978, which is required for an effective date prior to August 19, 1997.
- Claimed conditions
- Loss of use of right hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 5, 2002
- Citation
- 0215744
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 0215744.
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, including loss of use of the right hand and coronary artery disease, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from January 24, 2007.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including loss of use of the right hand and neurosis, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the RO for issuance of a Statement of the Case regarding entitlement to a higher rate of special monthly compensation based on loss of use of three extremities. The Veteran must file a substantive appeal within 60 days from the date of the Statement of the Case.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the appellant's claims for higher SMC ratings and an earlier effective date, finding that he did not meet the criteria for a higher level of care or aid and attendance based on his service-connected disabilities.
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