The Veteran's right hand disability, specifically the index finger laceration with scar, did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations. The noncompensable rating was assigned based on limitation of motion and the absence of functional impairment due to pain or instability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s right index finger had less than 1 inch gap between fingertip and proximal transverse crease, with no more than 30 degrees of extension limitation. The scar did not show any limitation of motion or function.
- Claimed conditions
- Right index finger disability, Right index finger scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20005684
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Board denied higher ratings for the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including residuals of a laceration of the radial digital nerve, C-section scar, right index finger scar residuals, and bilateral lower extremity varicose veins.
- 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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