The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's left ring finger injury, finding that the disability did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on limitation of motion or muscle injuries. The preponderance of evidence showed no significant effects on employment and usual daily activities.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show any muscle injury as a result of the left ring finger injury and the Veteran was already receiving a rating based on limitation of motion for other fingers in his hand.
- Claimed conditions
- left ring finger injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20066022
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 the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as well as a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC), due to insufficient evidence of current disabilities related to service or functional impairment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left ring finger injury, hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of a back injury due to additional development being required.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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