The Board found that the veteran's left index finger degenerative joint disease, manifested by favorable ankylosis of the distal interphalangeal joint with complaints of pain and cramping, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA medical evidence showed that the veteran had bony ankylosis of the DIP joint on his left index finger, which resulted in constant mild ache at the DIP joint and intermittent muscle spasms with calcification in the joint. The examiner noted no limitation of motion due to pain.
- Claimed conditions
- left index finger degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 28, 2004
- Citation
- 0434084
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 0434084.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for a new examination to assess the severity of the service-connected left index finger, long finger, and left hand disabilities due to potential flare-ups not being adequately addressed in the previous VA examination.
- Denied
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
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