The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a compound, comminuted fracture of the middle and ring fingers of the left hand with muscle weakness and probable traumatic arthritis. The appeal was not about service connection.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not demonstrate favorable ankylosis of two digits of one hand involving either the index and little fingers, the index and ring fingers, or the index and middle fingers, which is required for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Codes 5003, 5010, and 5223.
- Claimed conditions
- compound, comminuted fracture of the middle and ring fingers of the left hand, muscle weakness, probable traumatic arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 22, 2000
- Citation
- 0013535
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 0013535.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands all service connection claims for additional development, including obtaining a TERA memorandum and new medical opinions.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for muscle weakness, anoxic brain injury, heart failure, and dysphagia as secondary to respiratory failure with hypoxia, and denied special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for muscle weakness as it was not shown to be secondary to a service-connected disability.
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