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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21067837.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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