The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied, and the RO confirmed a noncompensable evaluation for residuals of a laceration of the left ring finger. A noncompensable evaluation was assigned for weakness of the left middle finger and left little finger as secondary to the already service-connected disability involving the left ring finger. The veteran's claim for a 10 percent rating based on multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities was also denied.
The deciding factor: The RO did not provide sufficient evidence or reasoning in its decision regarding the issues raised by the veteran.
- Claimed conditions
- laceration of the left ring finger, weakness of the left little finger and left middle finger
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 24, 2005
- Citation
- 0523256
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 0523256.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected laceration of the left ring finger was granted, but he is still denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his scar. The Board found that there were no ankylosis or doctor-prescribed bed rest issues and concluded that the preponderance of evidence supported a 10 percent rating.
- Denied
The Board denied a compensable rating for the service-connected residuals of a laceration of the left ring finger, finding that there was no evidence of ankylosis or amputation and that the current noncompensable rating accurately reflects the severity of the condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for cervical and lumbar spine conditions were denied. The initial compensable rating claim for residuals of a laceration of the left ring finger was also denied.
- Granted
The Board finds that the appellant has a scar on his left ring finger as a result of an in-service laceration, and thus service connection is granted.
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