Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of a fracture to the distal phalanx of the left ring finger, finding that no compensable rating was warranted based on the lack of functional limitation or painful motion.

The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no evidence of ankylosis or pain in the veteran's left ring finger and noted that he can make a fist, pick up a piece of paper and grasp a writing implement. The severity of his disability was not shown to warrant a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

Claimed conditions
fracture of the distal phalanx of the left ring finger
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
December 3, 2002
Citation
0217462

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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0217462.

What this means for you

A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.

What you can do next

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.