The Veteran's service-connected right middle finger scar and residuals of a right little finger fracture are not rated higher than the current 10 percent levels. The Board finds no basis for granting an increased rating or reopening any claims.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's conditions meet the criteria for a schedular or non-schedular increase in disability ratings, and there is no indication of service connection based on exposure to specific environmental factors (e.g., burn pits, Agent Orange).
- Claimed conditions
- Right middle finger scar, Residuals of right little finger fracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 4, 2015
- Citation
- 1509373
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 1509373.
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: Granted
The Veteran's residuals of right little finger fracture, prior to October 27, 2016, are manifested by painful and limited motion, swelling, episodic paresthesias/hand numbness and reduced right-hand dexterity. The Board finds impairment of the Veteran's basic motor functions is more closely analogous to moderate incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of right little finger fracture is denied. The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the ratings and issues related to SMC and TDIU.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right middle finger scar condition had its onset during service and granted service connection for this disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and conducting examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected back disability and other disabilities. The issue of a TDIU will also be reconsidered.
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