The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the service-connected left index finger disability, as the evidence did not support a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The functional impairment of the left index finger did not result in a lack of effective function to the point that the Veteran would be equally well served by amputation and prothesis.
- Claimed conditions
- left index finger disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 13, 2022
- Citation
- 22001836
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for higher ratings and TDIU due to incomplete VA examinations.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, and disabilities affecting each finger as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease, including exposure to toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs).
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple orthopedic disabilities related to injuries sustained while wrestling in service.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as well as remanded a claim for further development.
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.