The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected fracture of the proximal phalanx, right ring finger with flexor tendon reconstruction (major), finding that he is already receiving the maximum schedular rating.
The deciding factor: The veteran's disability has been rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5309 since May 22, 1998. The new regulations do not provide a higher evaluation for his condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Fracture of the proximal phalanx, right ring finger with flexor tendon reconstruction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 2, 2003
- Citation
- 0314487
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 0314487.
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.
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