The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected numbness of the fourth and fifth fingers, right hand, is rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 8516 (ulnar nerve) due to mild incomplete paralysis. The service connection for degenerative joint disease, right elbow, was also granted.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed that the veteran's symptoms were related to his service-connected ulnar nerve disability and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any other diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- numbness of the fourth and fifth fingers, right hand, degenerative joint disease, right elbow
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 5, 2008
- Citation
- 0838217
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 0838217.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for dyslipidemia is denied as it is not a disability under VA law and regulations.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical spine strain, low back pain, degenerative joint diseases of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, and feet, allergic rhinitis, peptic ulcer, diverticulosis, hiatal hernia, erectile dysfunction, benign prostate hyperplasia, memory disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depression are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a total disability rating due to unemployability (TDIU) is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the above-mentioned issues.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, and thus grants his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to afford him a DRO hearing. The issues of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease, right elbow and service connection for erectile dysfunction are currently before the Board.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a video conference hearing before the Board.
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