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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1200542.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
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