The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for ganglion cyst in the right wrist was denied, and her reduction of a 20% evaluation to noncompensable (0%) for limitation of motion of the right thumb was also denied. The RO did not provide proper procedures for reducing the thumb evaluation.
The deciding factor: The RO failed to prepare a preliminary rating decision proposing the reduction and afford the Veteran a 60-day period in which to show that compensation payments should be continued at the present level.
- Claimed conditions
- ganglion cyst in the right wrist, limitation of motion of the right thumb
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 27, 2016
- Citation
- 1625567
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 1625567.
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.
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- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his depressive disorder and various finger disabilities, have caused significant functional impairment that has prevented him from obtaining substantially gainful employment prior to March 19, 2021. The Board granted an extraschedular TDIU rating based on these factors.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
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- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that discontinuance of VR&E services based on a negative feasibility determination was proper due to the Veteran's significant physical health issues and extensive limitations in his activities. The appeal is denied.
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