The Veteran's initial compensable rating for residuals of a left index finger laceration is granted, while his PTSD and lumbar spine disabilities remain at the current ratings.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's left index finger disability warranted a minimum 10 percent rating due to pain and limited motion. The lumbar spine and PTSD disabilities were rated based on their respective criteria without any additional considerations for service connection theory or exposure basis.
- Claimed conditions
- left index finger laceration, osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 3, 2014
- Citation
- 1414495
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 1414495.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased evaluations for shin splints and left index finger laceration but granted a 20% evaluation for the left shoulder strain. The Board also denied increased evaluations for adjustment disorder before January 27, 2021, and after that date.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings for left hand disability and service connection for a foot condition, to include jungle rot, as the appellant wishes to withdraw these issues.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability. The AOJ must provide additional development as requested by the Board.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of a left index finger laceration and scar prior to June 10, 2017 are denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.
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