The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected left index finger disability, left long finger disability, and left hand scars were denied. The evidence showed arthritis with painful motion in the affected fingers and scars on the hands.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of additional functional loss or instability.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Index Finger Disability, Left Long Finger Disability, Left Hand Scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 30, 2022
- Citation
- 22066773
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 22066773.
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 has determined that the Veteran does not have any of the claimed disabilities and therefore, service connection for right thumb, left thumb, right index finger, left index finger, right middle finger, left middle finger, right ring finger, left ring finger, right small finger, or left small finger disabilities is denied.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal regarding her competency to manage VA benefits is dismissed. The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to her service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right shoulder bursitis, right foot disability, bilateral hearing loss, and other hand disabilities, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment as of November 1, 2020. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for this period.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's LUE peripheral nerve impairment, associated with left hand scars, is granted a 30 percent rating effective February 3, 2022. The earlier effective date of December 28, 2010 for the grant of service connection for this condition is also granted.
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