The Board denied earlier effective dates for increased ratings and service connection for various hand and nasal conditions, finding no evidence of an increase in disability within one year prior to the claims.

The deciding factor: There was no evidence of a worsening of symptoms or an increase in disability that could support an earlier effective date under applicable regulations.

Claimed conditions

Allergic rhinitis status post deviated nasal septum, Left hand strain with painful motion of the index finger, Left hand strain with painful motion of the long finger, Left hand strain with painful motion of the thumb, Right hand strain with painful motion of the index finger, Right hand strain with painful motion of the long finger, Right hand strain with painful motion of the thumb

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 19, 2025

Citation

A25100676

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine