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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0203875.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right elbow joint disability, including DJD and epicondylitis, is related to active duty service.
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