The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his right hand disability was denied. The Board also determined that an effective date prior to April 13, 2016 is not warranted for the award of a 30 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating than 30 percent and there was no factual increase within one year prior to the current claim. The Veteran's original 20 percent rating did not include his amputated ring finger, but he had already been compensated for this since April 13, 2016.
- Claimed conditions
- ankylosis of right index finger, ankylosis of right middle finger, amputation of right ring finger
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20002942
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
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