The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected left index finger disability, characterized by loss of use and degenerative joint disease, does not warrant a rating in excess of the current 10 percent assigned under Diagnostic Code 5225.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran experiences pain, limited range of motion, and a nonpainful deep linear scar on his left palm. However, there is no ankylosis or amputation of any part of the finger, which are required for higher ratings under Diagnostic Code 5225.
- Claimed conditions
- Loss of use of the left index finger (minor or non-dominant hand), Degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 10, 2014
- Citation
- 1401242
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 1401242.
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 decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA medical opinions and a need for additional secondary service connection analysis.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease rendered him so helpless as to require the aid and attendance of another individual, warranting an award of special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further development, including obtaining service records from periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA. The Veteran's right foot conditions are being reviewed to determine if they are related to his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection was reopened, and the Board found that new evidence raised a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claims. However, the Board denied all service connection claims due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between current disabilities and service.
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