The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left middle finger disability is denied as the maximum schedular rating has already been assigned.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and heart disability (CAD) are all denied due to lack of evidence showing service connection or exposure to herbicides.,The Veteran's claim for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity is also denied as there is no evidence of service connection or exposure to herbicides.,Service connection for hypertension is denied as well, with no evidence of service connection or exposure to herbicides.,Service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the hands and feet are all denied due to lack of evidence showing service connection or exposure to herbicides.,Service connection for cubital (or carpal) tunnel syndrome of the upper extremities is also denied as there is no evidence of service connection or exposure to herbicides.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims are denied based on a lack of evidence showing service connection or exposure to herbicides, and the maximum schedular rating has already been assigned for some conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- fracture, middle finger, left hand with Dupuytren's contracture, diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, heart disability (CAD), hypertension
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 12, 2022
- Citation
- 22051725
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 22051725.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and skin disabilities related to herbicide exposure.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and increased rating for anxiety disorder have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria for hypertension, and the Veteran's anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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.