The Veteran's service-connected right fourth finger fracture residuals have been found to be productive of x-ray evidence of arthritis in all the joints of the hand, limitation of motion in all fingers, and limitation of motion of the thumb with a gap of one and one-half inches between the thumb pad and the fingers. With resolution of reasonable doubt in his favor, the criteria for a 20 percent evaluation on a schedular basis have been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right hand disability has resulted in x-ray evidence of arthritis in all joints, limitation of motion in all fingers, and limitation of motion of the thumb with a gap of one and one-half inches between the thumb pad and the fingers. These findings meet the criteria for a 20 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5227.
- Claimed conditions
- Fracture of the fourth finger of the right hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 9, 2016
- Citation
- 1635480
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 1635480.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 Veteran's neurologic residuals have not been found to be present, and his hand disability is rated based on the established criteria for arthritis and limitation of motion. The Board has determined that a separate rating for these conditions is not warranted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.