The Veteran's initial disability ratings for his left long finger, ring finger, and little finger disabilities have been denied. His thoracic kyphosis has also not resulted in a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show ankylosis of any fingers or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Long Finger, Left Ring Finger, Left Little Finger, Thoracic Kyphosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 5, 2021
- Citation
- 21067837
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 21067837.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates of January 21, 2015 for the Veteran's claims related to his right thumb, left thumb, right index finger, left index finger, right long finger, and left long finger. The Board also granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of thoracic kyphosis has been dismissed as the Veteran opted into the modernized appeals system by submitting a VA Form 20-0995 Supplemental Claim.
- Granted
The Veteran's left middle and ring finger disabilities are rated at a combined 20 percent, with the decision finding unfavorable ankylosis of both fingers throughout the appeal period.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left thumb, index finger, long finger, ring finger, and little finger disabilities have been denied as the current ratings of 20 percent for each condition are considered to be the maximum allowable under VA regulations.
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