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Whole decision: Denied

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left hand injury with arthritis is denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other functional impairment that would warrant such a higher rating.

The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not indicate any evidence of ankylosis, and the Veteran's ability to use his fingers without limitation was noted at multiple evaluations.

Claimed conditions
residuals of a left hand injury with arthritis
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
February 6, 2012
Citation
1204379

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 1204379.

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.

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