The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection was partially granted. The Veteran is now rated at 10% for residuals of laceration injury, left middle finger; however, his claims for an evaluation in excess of 10% for painful scar, left middle finger, associated with residuals of laceration injury, and for an evaluation in excess of 20% for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity are denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple pulmonary nodules, right upper outer lung, and left foot tendonitis is remanded.
The deciding factor: The claims were remanded due to incomplete development and further evidentiary development was required.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of Laceration Injury, Left Middle Finger, Painful Scar, Left Middle Finger, Radiculopathy of the Left Upper Extremity
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 9, 2021
- Citation
- 21041408
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 21041408.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several claims related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity. The claims are being returned for further development to obtain necessary medical records and ensure proper consideration.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity have been granted initial ratings. The Veteran has also been granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee and hip disorders, as well as radiculopathy of the upper extremities. The issues are related to whether these conditions are at least as likely as not related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease is granted, and the claims for sinusitis, cervical spine radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and left ankle arthritis are remanded.
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.