The Board denied an earlier effective date for the higher rating of 10 percent for the Veteran’s service-connected right index finger disability, as it was not factually ascertainable that an increase in disability occurred within one year prior to July 16, 2013.,The Board also denied a higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected right index finger disability, finding that he is already in receipt of the maximum rating available.,The Board denied entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need of regular aid and attendance, as the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities do not result in him needing such assistance.
The deciding factor: It was not factually ascertainable that the Veteran became eligible for an increased rating within one year prior to July 16, 2013.,The Veteran is already in receipt of the maximum rating available for his service-connected right index finger disability.,The Veteran’s service-connected disabilities do not result in him needing regular aid and attendance.
- Claimed conditions
- Right index finger disability, Left hand (ring finger and wrist)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19109002
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,960 · Granted: 36% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 19109002.
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 right index finger disability is granted as service-connected. The left shoulder disability issue requires further examination and review.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for all the claimed conditions as there was no evidence of a current disability in accordance with VA standards.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted initial ratings for the Veteran's right thumb, index finger, and long finger disabilities, as well as a separate rating for his left thumb disability. The claims for increased ratings for the right ring and little fingers, and left ring and little fingers were denied.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal concerning the propriety of the rating reductions for the Veteran's right distal fibula disability and tinea pedis was dismissed, while SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was granted prior to February 20, 2024.
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