The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for left hand neuropathy, deviated nasal septum, and residual scar on bridge of nose have been denied. The Veteran is already receiving the maximum schedular rating for his service-connected deviated nasal septum.,There are no issues in controversy regarding sinusitis as it was found to be associated with the Veteran's service-connected deviated nasal septum.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not establish that the Veteran experienced complete paralysis of the ulnar nerve, including 'griffin claw,' atrophy, and loss of extension and adduction, which would warrant a higher rating under DC 8616 for left hand neuropathy. The Veteran's symptoms are best characterized by non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis with headaches and pain multiple times per week.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Hand Neuropathy, Deviated Nasal Septum, Residual Scar on Bridge of Nose
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 22, 2016
- Citation
- 1606459
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 1606459.
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 Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further medical examinations and evaluations. The issues include psychiatric disabilities, lumbosacral strain, plantar fasciitis, rheumatoid arthritis, prostate disability, erectile dysfunction, hearing loss, nasal disability, and pulmonary disability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's initial disability rating for service-connected PTSD was granted at a 50 percent level, effective October 23, 2018. The issue of service connection for deviated nasal septum is remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates of March 14, 1995 for the awards of service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury and Deviated Nasal Septum.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's OSA is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD and deviated nasal septum, resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.
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