The Board found that the service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the right hand with ankylosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the middle (long) finger with degenerative changes are principally manifested by subjective complaints of pain in the right middle finger and objective findings of ankylosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the right long finger, limitation of motion of the right long finger, and X-ray evidence of a metallic implant within the soft tissues along the radial aspect of the right long finger. The disability is rated based on limitation of motion under Diagnostic Code 5003.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the right hand with ankylosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the middle (long) finger with degenerative changes are primarily manifested by subjective complaints and objective findings that do not warrant a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of a gunshot wound to the right hand, ankylosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the middle (long) finger, degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 16, 2004
- Citation
- 0406849
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 0406849.
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
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