The veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an initial compensable evaluation for his residual scar of the right hand were not addressed due to procedural issues. The claim for a rating greater than 20 percent for healed fractures of the second and third digits of the right hand was denied, while he received a noncompensable rating for his service-connected residuals.
The deciding factor: The veteran did not timely file a substantive appeal on the issue of tinnitus, and the claim for an initial compensable evaluation for his residual scar of the right hand remains pending as it has been granted with a noncompensable rating. The claim for a higher rating for healed fractures of the second and third digits of the right hand was denied.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, residual scar of the right hand, healed fractures of the second and third digits of the right hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 30, 2005
- Citation
- 0509433
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 0509433.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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