The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right hand disability and right thumb disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating than what was currently assigned.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed favorable ankylosis involving four fingers of the right hand but no favorable ankylosis of the right thumb, which is required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5220 and 5224.
- Claimed conditions
- amputation middle finger, flexion contractures (ankylosis) distal interphalangeal joints, index, ring and middle fingers, right hand, residuals, fracture, thumb, right hand, with arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 17, 2000
- Citation
- 0030198
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 0030198.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer and residuals, finding that there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between his in-service prostatitis and his later diagnosis of prostate cancer.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for kidney cancer and residuals as the evidence did not support a causal relationship between the Veteran's in-service toxic risk exposure and his current condition.
- Granted
The veteran's kidney disease, including cancer and residuals, is service-connected as secondary to their diabetes.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left thumb disability, finding that his current condition is related to an in-service injury and resolving all doubt in his favor.
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