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 assigned
- 10%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1401242.
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 inadequate VA medical opinions and a need for additional secondary service connection analysis.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.