The Veteran's service-connected left wrist fracture and degenerative joint disease do not warrant a rating higher than the current 20 percent evaluation.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show ankylosis of the left wrist, which would be required for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5214. The Veteran has significant limitation of motion due to pain but no actual ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Left wrist fracture, Degenerative joint disease of the left wrist
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 6, 2012
- Citation
- 1200542
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 1200542.
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 left wrist disability, including a fracture and nonunion of the scaphoid bone, is rated at 20 percent effective September 1, 2014. The Veteran's left wrist scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a left wrist disability, right shoulder disability, medial epicondylitis of the right elbow, and an acquired psychiatric disability as new and relevant evidence has been received to reopen these claims.
- Denied
The Veteran's left upper extremity radial nerve neuralgia is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to errors in obtaining relevant medical records and conducting adequate examinations, which could have led to a more favorable outcome for the Veteran.
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.