The Veteran's initial compensable rating for left index and middle finger scarring was denied. Separate ratings were granted for painful scars of the left middle finger prior to January 21, 2020, and a noncompensable rating thereafter.,An increased rating for DDD of the lumbar spine is remanded due to inconsistency in the VA examination findings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's scars were not found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 7802, as they did not exceed an area of 144 square inches (929 square cm).,The increased rating for DDD of the lumbar spine is remanded due to inconsistency in the VA examination findings regarding range of motion and pain.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Index and Middle Finger Scarring, Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the Lumbar Spine, Sinusitis
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 25, 2020
- Citation
- 20075608
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 20075608.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's sinusitis is currently rated at a noncompensable evaluation. The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for sinusitis as of February 19, 2021, based on the number and duration of incapacitating episodes requiring antibiotic treatment.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine and lumbar spine conditions, left knee condition, right knee condition, and sinusitis. The Veteran was granted service connection for chronic laryngeal papillomatosis.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw their appeal.
- Denied
The Veteran's sinusitis was rated as noncompensable for the period prior to December 9, 2024. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on the severity of his symptoms and lack of incapacitating episodes.
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