The Board denied an increased rating for epicondylitis of the right elbow, post operative and a compensable rating for residuals of a fracture of the proximal phalanx of the left ring finger, post operative. The initial disability rating for hemorrhoids remains at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports did not show additional limitation of motion or functional impairment due to flare-ups of pain in the right elbow joint, and the veteran's symptoms were consistent with a noncompensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5206.
- Claimed conditions
- Epicondylitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 26, 2002
- Citation
- 0203875
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 0203875.
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 Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his left elbow epicondylitis and related conditions was denied. The RO assigned a 10 percent rating for limitation of flexion, which is the highest available under DCs 5206-5024. Separate compensable ratings were not granted due to overlap in symptomatology.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current right elbow disability, including whether it is related to service or ACDUTRA. The examiner should also consider aggravation by service-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for epicondylitis of the right elbow was granted, with a rating of 20 percent effective February 7, 2008.
- Granted
The Veteran's right elbow joint disability, including DJD and epicondylitis, is related to active duty service.
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.