The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his left wrist disability was denied. The claim is based on direct service connection and the current rating adequately reflects the functional impairment due to pain, weakness, decreased strength, stiffness, guarding, less movement than normal, swelling, and fatigability.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show ankylosis of the thumb and/or fingers or arthritis that would warrant a higher rating under DCs 5214 or 5003. The current rating adequately reflects the Veteran's symptoms based on pain and limitation of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- Left wrist disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 1, 2013
- Citation
- 1321121
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 1321121.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, and will consider new evidence submitted by the Veteran.
- Granted
The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from August 6, 2008 due to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for right elbow, left elbow, right wrist, and left wrist disabilities as there is no current evidence of these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection of bilateral wrist disabilities due to a lack of VA examinations and duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran's complaints include bilateral wrist pain, with right wrist diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome.
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.