The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right hand/wrist disability, right ankle disability, and cervical spine disability have been denied. The right hand/wrist disability is currently rated at 10% due to limitation of motion. The right ankle disability has been granted a 10% rating based on moderate instability with flare-ups approximately four to five times per month resulting in pain and swelling.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right hand/wrist disability does not meet the criteria for ankylosis or significant limitation of motion, warranting a higher rating. The right ankle disability is rated at 10% based on moderate instability with flare-ups approximately four to five times per month resulting in pain and swelling.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Hand/Wrist Disability, Right Ankle Disability, Cervical Spine Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 15, 2010
- Citation
- 1009834
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 1009834.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia, but denied service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, intestinal condition (chronic colitis), and chronic migraine disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for GERD, OSA, a cervical spine disability, and a thyroid disability to obtain an adequate medical opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a right ankle disability due to inadequate VA medical opinions.
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.