The Veteran's right hand fifth metacarpal fracture is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5230 for limitation of motion of a little finger. The appeal regarding the left hand middle finger fracture is addressed in the REMAND portion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right hand fifth metacarpal fracture does not meet the criteria for an evaluation higher than 10 percent under any applicable diagnostic codes due to its limited functional impairment, which falls short of amputation or unfavorable ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Right hand fifth metacarpal fracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 1, 2009
- Citation
- 0945573
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 0945573.
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 Veteran's right hand fifth metacarpal fracture has been granted a 10 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC were denied. The fifth metacarpal fracture of the right hand was found to not meet criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The fourth metacarpal strain of the right hand was also found not to meet criteria for a compensable evaluation. Additionally, entitlement to SMC based on loss of use of the right hand was denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's residuals of a right hand fifth metacarpal fracture are manifested by pain and swelling, but no limitation of motion or ankylosis. The Board denied a compensable rating as the disability does not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation based on limitation of motion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right hand fifth metacarpal fracture disability is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are remanded for additional examination to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities.
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.