The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for a right index finger strain, and ratings in excess of 30 percent for right upper extremity scars and 10 percent for right wrist sprain have been denied. The case is REMANDED to obtain VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support granting higher ratings for any of the conditions, as they are already rated at their maximum levels or do not meet the criteria for additional disability due to instability or frequent loss of covering over the scars.
- Claimed conditions
- Right index finger strain, Right upper extremity scars, Right wrist sprain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 7, 2018
- Citation
- 18124171
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 18124171.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine strain, right wrist sprain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain. The disabilities are all deemed to have begun during the Veteran's active duty.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right wrist disability, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and no current disability related to her active duty service.
- Denied
The Veteran's right and left wrist disabilities have been rated at 10 percent each, effective April 18, 2024. The Board found that the current ratings are appropriate based on the evidence showing no ankylosis or other conditions warranting higher ratings.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for GERD, higher ratings for lumbar spine and right wrist disabilities, and ED. The Veteran's ED is found to be caused by his service-connected hypertension.
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