The Board found that the veteran's polyarthritis, diagnosed as osteoarthritis based on x-ray findings of the DIP joint of the ring finger of the right hand and the DIP joints of the index and long fingers of the left hand, does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent. The disability is rated under Diagnostic Code 5229 (previously 5225) due to limitation of motion of the affected fingers.
The deciding factor: The veteran's arthritis was found to be osteoarthritis, which does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on ankylosis or significant limitation of motion. The x-rays showed no evidence of rheumatoid arthritis and only mild to moderate osteoarthritic changes in specific joints.
- Claimed conditions
- polyarthritis, osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 21, 2007
- Citation
- 0704991
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 0704991.
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