The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected right middle and little finger injuries were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for the right middle finger injury or any compensable rating for the right little finger injury.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed limitation of motion but no ankylosis, unfavorable ankylosis, amputation, or other conditions warranting higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- right middle (long finger/3rd finger) injury, right little finger
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 27, 2024
- Citation
- A24078658
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A24078658.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran requested to withdraw her appeal regarding the earlier effective date for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis affecting various fingers and wrists. The Board dismissed the appeals as per the Veteran's request.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for initial compensable ratings for right ring and little fingers due to an inadequate VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, initial compensable rating for right little finger disability, and entitlement to service connection for low back disability. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current diagnosis meeting VA criteria. For his right little finger disability, a noncompensable rating remains appropriate due to the lack of limitation of motion or ankylosis. Service connection for low back disability is also remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's TDIU claim. The AOJ is instructed to request a completed VA Form 21-8940 from the Veteran and obtain his employment and education history.
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.