The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right elbow and left wrist disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that the conditions warranted higher disability ratings.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports showed no ankylosis or other severe impairment in either arm, with pain being the primary issue affecting function. The Veteran's symptoms were adequately addressed by his current 20% and 10% ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5213 and 5215 respectively.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Elbow Disability, Left Wrist Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 30, 2012
- Citation
- 1203364
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 1203364.
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 determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability is not related to service, but the right elbow disability requires further review due to a duty-to-assist error in obtaining an inadequate medical opinion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to duty to assist errors identified during higher-level review. The Veteran's right knee and right elbow disabilities are now subject to further development.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right elbow disability resulted in flexion limited to 90 degrees, which meets the criteria for a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5206.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and a need for further development.
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