Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a gunshot wound to the left hand, primarily manifested by arthritis and marked limitation of motion, do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The deciding factor: The evidence does not show the presence of extremely unfavorable ankylosis or amputation of the left index finger, which would support a higher rating for the condition. The most prominent feature is the arthritis with limited motion of the left index finger, rated as 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5225.

Claimed conditions
Gunshot wound to the left hand, Arthritis of the 2nd finger
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
January 4, 2001
Citation
0100103

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 0100103.

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.

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.