The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his left-hand disability and service connection for a lumbar spine disability is denied. The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to May 18, 2016.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support the presence of incomplete severe paralysis of the little finger that would warrant a higher rating for the left-hand disability. For the lumbar spine disability, there is no probative evidence linking it to service as the Veteran's current back condition is due to multiple surgeries post-service.
- Claimed conditions
- Dupuytren's contracture with median nerve radiculopathy of the left hand, Lumbar spine disability (claimed as a back condition)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 11, 2020
- Citation
- 20011491
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 20011491.
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
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