The Veteran's increased rating claim for his right upper extremity disability was denied as the evidence did not show that his condition warranted a higher rating. The TDIU claim was also denied due to insufficient evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records showed mild incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve, but no complete paralysis as required for a higher rating. The Veteran's employment issues were not solely attributable to his service-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- laceration of the right ring and middle fingers, ulnar nerve damage, loss of sensation, decreased grip strength
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 13, 2015
- Citation
- 1501686
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1501686.
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.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand both claims of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of heart surgery and ulnar nerve damage due to inadequate medical opinions, requiring new evaluations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for ulnar nerve damage. The petition to reopen the claim for stomach muscle strain as secondary to crush injury is remanded, and separate ratings are also remanded for ulnar nerve damage, median nerve damage, and lower radicular group nerve damage. A TDIU issue is referred back to the RO.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected left foot Lisfranc fracture.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left wrist sprain with hyperflexion injury and secondary ulnar nerve damage, as well as his back disorder. These conditions are considered to be directly related to his military service.
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