The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The claim to reopen the left pinky finger condition was denied due to lack of new and material evidence, while a noncompensable rating for right long/middle finger fracture and denial of a compensable rating for left inguinal hernia, post-operative, were granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not provide sufficient new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for his left pinky finger condition. The right long/middle finger fracture met the criteria for a noncompensable rating based on painful motion. The left inguinal hernia, post-operative, did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it was not recurrent or readily reducible.
- Claimed conditions
- left pinky finger condition, right long/middle finger fracture, left inguinal hernia, post-operative
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 14, 2022
- Citation
- 22034528
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 22034528.
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: Denied
The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of various joint and muscle conditions, including left shoulder strain, limitation of flexion; right shoulder strain, limitation of flexion; left elbow strain, limitation of flexion; right elbow strain, limitation of flexion; left knee strain, limitation of flexion; right knee strain, limitation of flexion; left thumb condition; left index finger condition; left long finger condition; left ring finger condition; and left pinky finger condition. The Board also denied earlier effective dates for service connection of irritable bowel syndrome.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial disability ratings due to new evidence being added to his file.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for an examination to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed left pinky finger condition and scarring.
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