The Veteran's service-connected left thumb disability has been manifested by MRI confirmed torn ulnar collateral ligament and X-ray-evidenced arthritis with less than compensable limitation of motion. The gap between the thumb pad and fingers is within normal limits, and there is no evidence of ankylosis or other pathology that would warrant a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left thumb disability does not meet the criteria for a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Codes 5224 (ankylosis) or 5228 (gap of more than two inches between thumb pad and fingers), as there is no evidence of ankylosis, pain, stiffness, weakness, lack of endurance, fatigability, or other pathology that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Thumb Injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2009
- Citation
- 0947193
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 0947193.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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 Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional medical examinations. The issues include heart disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), hemorrhoids, left thumb injury, and right foot disability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for PTSD with major depressive disorder has been granted.,The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, and right shoulder condition have all been reopened due to the submission of new evidence.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA neurological examination to assess any neurological symptoms associated with the left thumb scar.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left thumb injury was denied.,Service connection for cardiovascular disability and bilateral hearing loss were both denied as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.,No effective date provided.
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