The Board found no evidence of a right index finger disability in service or any medical nexus between the Veteran's current amputation and his military service, including his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.
The deciding factor: There is no competent medical evidence linking the Veteran's current right index finger amputation to his military service or his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- right index finger amputation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 12, 2011
- Citation
- 1133655
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 1133655.
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 Veteran's appeal is remanded to correct a duty to assist error that occurred prior to the issuance of the HLR rating decision currently on appeal. The Board will obtain a VA examination to determine whether his service-connected disabilities alone render him in need of either regular aid and attendance or housebound status.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded to correct a duty to assist error that occurred prior to the issuance of the HLR rating decision currently on appeal. The Board will obtain a VA examination to determine whether his service-connected disabilities alone render him in need of either regular aid and attendance or housebound status.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right index finger amputation, and an increased rating for tinnitus. The claims for service connection for gastrointestinal problems, neck disability, knee disability, and sleep disorder were remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's lung cancer residuals, type II diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are granted as service-connected. The Veteran's right index finger amputation and below the right knee amputation are also granted as secondary to his type II diabetes mellitus.
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.