Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's right pinky finger disability has been denied an initial compensable rating.,The Veteran's left lower extremity disturbance of skin sensation shin area is also denied an initial compensable rating.,A rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for left lower extremity shin splints (previously rated as left lower extremity stress fracture) has been granted.

The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence shows that a compensable rating is not warranted for the Veteran's right pinky fifth digit strain status post fracture due to lack of limitation of motion in other fingers and non-availability of amputation ratings.,The preponderance of the evidence does not show that the Veteran's left lower extremity disturbance of skin sensation shin area meets or approximates the criteria for a 10 percent rating under DC 8522, as his symptoms are mild incomplete paralysis of the musculocutaneous nerve.,The preponderance of the evidence shows that the Veteran's left lower extremity shin splints do not meet or approximate the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 5299-5262.

Claimed conditions
Chronic right pinky fifth digit strain status post fracture (claimed as arthritis right pinky), Left lower extremity disturbance of skin sensation shin area (claimed as numbness left leg including foot), Left lower extremity shin splints (previously rated as left lower extremity stress fracture)
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
December 13, 2021
Citation
A21019773

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 A21019773.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.