The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's left little finger disability, which is rated under Code 5156 of the Rating Schedule due to extremely unfavorable ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The May 2000 VA examination revealed fixed ankylosis of the proximal interphalangeal joint with minimal motion and no active flexion of the distal joint. The veteran's disability is rated under Code 5156, which applies to amputation without metacarpal resection at or near the proximal interphalangeal joint.
- Claimed conditions
- Left fifth finger disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 16, 2001
- Citation
- 0118402
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0118402.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for a left fifth finger disability is denied as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation based on functional impairment or amputation.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's left fifth finger disability, including an examination to assess its severity and functional impairment. The issue of service connection for a left hand disability is referred back to the AOJ.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar strain, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability are denied as there is no clear evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The claim for left shoulder disability is granted, while the claim for left fifth finger disability remains pending due to lack of sufficient evidence.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's left fifth finger disability is not rated compensably due to the lack of evidence showing unfavorable ankylosis or amputation.
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