The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support these claims.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was no indication of an increase in disability prior to the date of claim, which is April 1, 2019.
- Claimed conditions
- right foot scar, PTSD (previously rated as depressive disorder NOS and generalized anxiety disorder), right index finger strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 19, 2020
- Citation
- A20008917
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 A20008917.
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 service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, which grants entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation at a housebound rate is moot due to the grant of aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for thoracolumbar strain, right knee strain, left knee strain, left thumb strain, left index finger strain, left middle finger strain, left ring finger strain, left little finger strain, right thumb strain, right index finger strain, right middle finger strain, and right ring finger strain as they are related to service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for left and right foot scars due to bunionectomies, an initial 30 percent rating for sinusitis, and a 10 percent rating for rhinitis.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support a compensable rating or service connection for any of the conditions appealed.
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