The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation from March 19, 1997 to October 14, 2004 and an increased evaluation from October 15, 2004. The VA determined that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5224.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the veteran's left thumb disorder did not warrant a compensable or increased evaluation based on the current level of disability as evidenced by normal x-ray examinations and functional impairment during physical examination.
- Claimed conditions
- left thumb fracture, osteoarthritis of the left thumb
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 2, 2008
- Citation
- 0841390
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 0841390.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date of July 27, 2016, for the award of service connection for osteoarthritis of the right and left thumbs are granted.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for his left thumb disability and a compensable rating for the associated scar was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and lack of information regarding flare-ups. The Veteran's left thumb disability, including her scar, needs further evaluation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for his left thumb fracture is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the January 2016 VA examination report and the need for updated treatment records.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.