The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left pinky finger disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such condition.,A rating of 10 percent, but no higher, has been granted for the Veteran's residuals of a right index finger fracture.
The deciding factor: The absence of any competent evidence of a left pinky finger disability during the pendency of this appeal is noted. The Board finds that service connection cannot be granted for symptoms alone.,VA examiners have concluded that the current diagnoses are less likely than not related to military service, based on lack of documented treatment in service or thereafter.
- Claimed conditions
- Left pinky finger disability, Right index finger fracture, Right wrist degenerative changes secondary to gout, Lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, Left ankle degenerative joint disease, Right ankle sprain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 15, 2018
- Citation
- 18150605
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 18150605.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted a rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's right ankle sprain with pain and limitations in mobility, finding that his symptoms are functionally equivalent to ankylosis. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating as there is no evidence of actual ankylosis or ankylosis equivalent.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the appellant's right ankle sprain is related to an injury sustained during service and grants the claim for service connection.
- Denied
The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because the evidence did not show that his service-connected PTSD rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings on several issues, including right ankle sprain and lumbosacral strain, has been remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.
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