The Veteran's service-connected right thumb disability, characterized by ankylosis of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) joints with favorable function, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current level of impairment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right thumb disability has been characterized by ankylosis of the MCP and IP joints, resulting in unfavorable ankylosis which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5224 or 5152. The current 20 percent rating adequately reflects his functional impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Postoperative residuals of a right thumb injury, Arthritis of the right thumb
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 20, 2016
- Citation
- 1615902
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 1615902.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a combined rating of 100 percent. As the Veteran does not meet the criteria for an award of special monthly compensation, as no disability is considered 100 percent disabling, plus an additional separate disability or disabilities combining to 60 percent disabling, his TDIU claim has been dismissed as moot.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's initial claims for increased ratings have been denied as her arthritis of the thumbs, index fingers, long fingers, ring fingers, and little fingers do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes. The Veteran's arthritis of the right knee and feet were also found to not warrant an increase in rating.,The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome has been remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for arthritis of the left elbow, right elbow, left thumb, right thumb, cervical spine, and lumbar spine as well as seasonal allergic rhinitis due to potential CBRNE exposure during service. The Veteran will be provided with VA examinations to evaluate his claimed disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, arthritis of the cervical spine, arthritis of the right thumb, and arthritis of the left thumb. The veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease is currently rated at 30 percent.
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