The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic skin disorder other than pseudofolliculitis barbae, and the veteran did not have residuals of his fractured left index finger or base of thumb that met the criteria for compensable ratings under VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The medical records do not support a finding of a pre-existing skin condition. The veteran's fractures resolved without residual disability. His right knee strain was found to be noncompensable, and his residuals of left index finger fracture were also found to be noncompensable prior to June 18, 2003.
- Claimed conditions
- Skin Disorder Other Than PFB, Fractured Left Index Finger, Left Thumb Fracture with Wrist Involvement (Minor), Right Knee Strain, Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 17, 2004
- Citation
- 0425672
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 0425672.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's right and left knee strains, as well as shin splints, were granted increased ratings. The Veteran also received special monthly compensation at the housebound rate from October 25, 2017 to March 11, 2024.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's right knee disability rating from 10% to 30%, effective July 1, 2025, finding that the reduction was improper and constituted a de facto severance of service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for left ankle, bilateral knee, and left hip disability. The Veteran's initial 10 percent rating for left thigh strain with limitation of flexion is granted.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased disability evaluations and denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition. The Veteran was granted service connection for persistent depressive disorder.
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