The Board found that the veteran's service-connected right index and long finger disability does not warrant a higher initial evaluation, as there is no evidence of amputation or ankylosis. The plantar keratoses were evaluated under Diagnostic Code 7819, which pertains to new growths of benign skin. Given the area involved was less than 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.), a compensable rating could not be assigned.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected right index and long finger disability does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, as there is no evidence of amputation or ankylosis. The plantar keratoses were evaluated under Diagnostic Code 7819, which pertains to new growths of benign skin. Given the area involved was less than 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.), a compensable rating could not be assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- Crush injury to the distal portion of the right index and long fingers with fracture of the distal phalanx of the middle finger, Hyperkeratoses of both feet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 14, 2008
- Citation
- 0805255
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0805255.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Whole decision: Granted
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