Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's service-connected right hand and index finger disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the appeal seeks a higher rating. The VA denied an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of an injury to the dorsum of the right hand and right index finger.

The deciding factor: The VA found that the Veteran's current symptoms do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent as he has no more than 10 degrees loss of extension and an inability of the right second and third fingers to touch the palm by 3 centimeters, which are consistent with his service-connected residuals.

Claimed conditions
scar, laceration, back of right hand and right index finger, loss of use of the dominant right hand
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
10%
Decision date
July 9, 2009
Citation
0925593

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 0925593.

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.

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.