The Veteran's left thumb sprain is currently evaluated as noncompensable due to a gap of less than 1 inch between the thumb pad and the fingers, which corresponds to the assignment of a 0 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show a gap of two inches or more between the thumb pad and the fingers required for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5228.
- Claimed conditions
- left thumb sprain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 30, 2014
- Citation
- 1433954
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 1433954.
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: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or a grant of service connection.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of right thumb sprain, left thumb sprain, and left shoulder condition. The Board found that medical opinions were inadequate and needed to address the veteran's theory of entitlement due to chemical exposure in Southwest Asia.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's left thumb and right ankle disabilities, as the previous VA examinations did not adequately assess functional loss due to repetitive use over time or during flare-ups.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and back conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU.
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