The Veteran's initial disability ratings for trigger finger of the left and right hands, as well as plantar fasciitis with heel spurs and mid-foot degenerative changes in both feet, were denied. The evidence did not meet or approximate criteria for a compensable rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hand and foot disabilities did not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating as they did not demonstrate ankylosis of the little finger joint or limitation of motion that would warrant a compensable rating. The evidence also did not support additional ratings based on interference with overall function of the hands.
- Claimed conditions
- Trigger Finger
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 24, 2015
- Citation
- 1517864
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1517864.
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
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The Board found that the Veteran does not have any currently diagnosed disorder of the left hand, to include lymphangitis, trigger finger, and osteoarthritis, which manifested while he was on active duty or within a year of his military discharge, or is otherwise related to any aspect of his qualifying active service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but denied the remaining issues on appeal due to lack of evidence and procedural errors.
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The veteran's right thumb disability, including a scar on the dorsal aspect of the thumb, slight atrophy of the right thenar muscle, and functional impairment (fatigue) on repeated use, is granted as service-connected.
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