The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative changes of the left and right hands, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current symptoms or limitations.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's arthritis affected multiple joints in both hands but did not result in incapacitating episodes or significant functional impairment warranting a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the left hand, Degenerative changes of the right hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 23, 2014
- Citation
- 1432833
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 1432833.
What this means for you
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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 remanded the case due to insufficient response from the VA examiner regarding the precise nature of the Veteran's right fifth digit deformity and its relation to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's laceration of the right forehead is rated at 30 percent since July 3, 2006. The issue of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for degenerative changes of the right hand prior to February 28, 2007, and a 10 percent rating thereafter remains pending.
- Denied
The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for bilateral shoulder arthritis. The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative changes in various joints have also been denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA regulations.
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