The Veteran's right hand scar, status post cyst removal, is currently rated at 10 percent and does not warrant a higher evaluation.,Prior to December 31, 2012, the Veteran's lumbar osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease was rated at 10 percent. Effective from December 31, 2012, it is rated at 20 percent.,Effective from December 31, 2012, the Veteran's lumbar osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease with IVDS warrants a 20 percent evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right hand scar does not meet the criteria for an increased rating as it is superficial and painful on examination. The maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent has been assigned.,Prior to December 31, 2012, the Veteran's lumbar osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease did not result in unfavorable ankylosis or other disabling conditions warranting a higher rating. Effective from December 31, 2012, the condition with IVDS warranted a 20 percent evaluation.,Effective from December 31, 2012, the Veteran's lumbar osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease with IVDS warranted a 20 percent evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Hand Scar, Lumbar Osteoarthritis and Degenerative Disc Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 12, 2014
- Citation
- 1410319
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 1410319.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's right ring finger disability and associated right hand scar are each rated at 10 percent. The Veteran is granted a separate 10 percent rating for his right hand scar, effective March 9, 2007. Separate ratings of 10 percent are assigned for peripheral neuropathy with carpal tunnel syndrome in both upper extremities and for peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for the Veteran's right hand disabilities as multiple unadjudicated appeal requests were already pending at the time of filing.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative joint disease of the right hand, left ear hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and a right hand scar, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU based on these conditions.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder and an increased rating of 10 percent for residuals of a right hand surgery scar. The appeal is resolved in favor of the Veteran.
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