The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70% rating for loss of use of his right hand, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the March 1968 rating decision granting service connection. The RO continued to grant a 30% evaluation for contracture deformities of the index, middle, and ring fingers prior to June 4, 2003.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the March 1968 rating decision and that it was not factually ascertainable that the Veteran met the criteria for a 70% evaluation before June 4, 2003.
- Claimed conditions
- Contracture deformities of the right index and middle fingers
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 10, 2014
- Citation
- 1415919
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 1415919.
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).
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