The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected right hand disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a separate compensable rating for right wrist impairment or an extraschedular evaluation.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records showed degenerative arthritis of the right wrist, but no additional functional loss beyond what is contemplated by the current 10 percent rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of injury to the right hand with fracture of the fifth metacarpal, Degenerative arthritis of the right wrist
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 4, 2012
- Citation
- 1219571
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 1219571.
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 right wrist disability is rated at 10 percent, but the Board has granted a rating of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the right wrist (major extremity), finding that his constant pain effectively precludes all movement due to ankylosis in a resting position.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded several service connection claims due to a lack of evidence regarding the etiology of certain conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's use of VA-issued right wrist and bilateral knee braces caused excessive wear and tear on his clothing, warranting the award of clothing allowances for 2014.
- Denied
The Veteran's right wrist disability is currently rated at 10 percent for degenerative arthritis, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would allow for a higher evaluation.
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