The Veteran's right fifth finger disability is manifested by pain with slight hyperextension of the proximal interphalangeal joint and metacarpophalangeal joint, but no muscle atrophy, swelling, warmth, tenderness, ankylosis, or other adverse symptomatology that equates to amputation. The criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right fifth finger disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under any applicable diagnostic code due to the lack of significant functional impairment and no residuals from service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Fifth Finger Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 28, 2014
- Citation
- 1433473
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 1433473.
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 Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability is remanded due to new evidence suggesting aggravation. The claims for increased ratings for his right fifth finger and right eyelid disabilities are also remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a new VA examination for the Veteran's service-connected right fifth finger disability and to address his claim for TDIU. The current examinations do not comply with the requirements of Sharp v. Shulkin, 29 Vet. App. 26 (2017), and Correia v. McDonald, 28 Vet. App. 158 (2016).
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right fifth finger disability has been manifested by complaints of pain; the limitation of finger function is not equivalent to amputation. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right fifth finger disability is not related to an injury or event during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.
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