The veteran's service-connected instability of the ulnar collateral ligament of the left first metacarpal phalangeal joint has been granted a 10 percent evaluation effective August 25, 2004. The condition is characterized by functional loss manifested by flexion ranging from 35 to 40 degrees and a loss of 10 degrees of extension, degenerative changes, and complaints of pain.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings supported the veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation based on his symptoms and physical findings.
- Claimed conditions
- instability of the ulnar collateral ligament of the left first metacarpal phalangeal joint (MPJ), degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 6, 2007
- Citation
- 0738342
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 0738342.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a left knee strain with degenerative changes, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service injury.
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- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on his lumbar spine disability, right leg radiculopathy, and scars are being remanded due to procedural errors. The VA will need to correct these issues before the claims can be reconsidered.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine condition, claimed as Schmorl's nodes and degenerative changes, is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The Board requires the AOJ to obtain inpatient treatment records from Tripler Army Medical Center and provide medical opinions regarding the cause of his cervical spine disability.
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