Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Whole decision: Denied

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10% disability rating for service-connected amputation of the left middle finger was denied as there is no evidence showing a factually ascertainable increase in disability within one year prior to his March 31, 2010 claim.

The deciding factor: The Veteran did not provide any medical records or other evidence demonstrating an increase in disability for the left middle finger within one year prior to his March 31, 2010 claim. The effective date of the award is therefore set at the date of receipt of his claim (March 31, 2010).

Claimed conditions
amputation of distal phalanx of the left middle finger
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
September 11, 2012
Citation
1231093

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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1231093.

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.

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.