The Veteran's right middle finger amputation with scar is not rated compensably, as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5154.,Prior to April 25, 2019, the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been rated noncompensably disabling. Since April 25, 2019, his hearing loss is not rated in excess of 50 percent.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support a higher rating for the right middle finger amputation with scar as it did not meet the criteria for an amputation rating.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated using Table VI and VII, resulting in noncompensable ratings prior to April 25, 2019. After that date, his hearing loss is rated at 50 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Right middle finger amputation with scar, Bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19157888
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 19157888.
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 claim for a low back disorder was reopened, and his claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee instability were granted. His hearing loss claim was denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeals of the initial ratings for his service-connected chronic cough and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to procedural errors in the evidentiary record.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hammer toes, hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral kidney cysts, rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus) do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.
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