The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's right index finger disability is being reviewed again for proper service connection.
The deciding factor: The VA examination and opinion were inadequate as they did not provide an etiological link between the right index finger disability and service or any incident of service.
- Claimed conditions
- Right index finger disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 6, 2023
- Citation
- A23031003
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 A23031003.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 Veteran's right index finger disability is granted as service-connected. The left shoulder disability issue requires further examination and review.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for all the claimed conditions as there was no evidence of a current disability in accordance with VA standards.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted initial ratings for the Veteran's right thumb, index finger, and long finger disabilities, as well as a separate rating for his left thumb disability. The claims for increased ratings for the right ring and little fingers, and left ring and little fingers were denied.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal concerning the propriety of the rating reductions for the Veteran's right distal fibula disability and tinea pedis was dismissed, while SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was granted prior to February 20, 2024.
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