The veteran's claims for increased ratings for traumatic amputation of the thumb and all fingers of the major hand, left ankle fracture with arthritis, and residuals of a brain concussion were denied as there is no evidence of additional disability beyond what is currently rated.
The deciding factor: The current ratings are based on the service-connected conditions and do not warrant an increase in rating due to lack of additional functional impairment or symptoms that would justify higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic Amputation of the Thumb and all the Fingers of the Major Hand, Left Ankle Fracture with Arthritis, Residuals of a Brain Concussion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- August 31, 2007
- Citation
- 0727421
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 0727421.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to left ankle fracture with arthritis and TDIU.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluation and service connection were denied. The left ankle disability is rated at 10 percent, while the right knee and hip disorders are not service-connected.
- Granted
The Board has granted a disability evaluation of 70 percent for the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder, effective from February 2002. The left ankle fracture with arthritis and recurrent left varicocele remain at their current evaluations.
- Granted
The Board has determined that a 30 percent evaluation is warranted for the veteran's residuals of a left ankle fracture with arthritis, postoperative status.
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.