The Veteran's service-connected post-operative residuals of a right index finger injury do not meet the criteria for SMC based on loss of use of the hand. The separate condition, trigger finger, has resolved and does not affect his ability to work.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's grip strength is normal, indicating he can still grasp objects effectively. His ability to write and sign indicates he can manipulate objects with his right hand.
- Claimed conditions
- post-operative residuals of a right index finger injury, trigger finger (stenosing flexor tenosynovitis)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 4, 2013
- Citation
- 1335592
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 1335592.
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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