The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected fracture of the right fifth metacarpal, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating than the initial 10 percent assigned.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show functional equivalent to extremely unfavorable ankylosis of the right fifth metacarpal, which would warrant a 20% rating under Diagnostic Code 5156. The veteran's range of motion was found adequate and he could perform activities of daily living.
- Claimed conditions
- Fracture of the right fifth metacarpal
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 24, 2002
- Citation
- 0206790
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 0206790.
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 Board denied an initial compensable rating for the Veteran's fracture of the right fifth metacarpal, finding that his disability did not more nearly approximate ankylosis or amputation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis as of February 8, 2007 due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities making it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected fracture of the right fifth metacarpal has not been manifested by ankylosis and does not interfere with the overall function of the hand, thus preventing a compensable evaluation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected right hand conditions, including a fracture to the fifth metacarpal and degenerative arthritis, are currently rated as 10 percent disabling.
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