The veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of a right fifth finger fracture and hypertension were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in rating beyond noncompensable levels.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed no ankylosis or unfavorable limitation of motion of the right little finger, which is required for any compensable evaluation under both old and new rating criteria. For hypertension, the veteran's diastolic pressure readings were consistently above 100 mmHg but did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of a right fifth finger fracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 17, 2003
- Citation
- 0331847
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 0331847.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.
- Denied
The veteran's initial disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of a right fifth finger fracture were denied, with the exception that his rating for bilateral hearing loss was increased to 10 percent effective November 29, 2006.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
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.