The Veteran's left long finger disability is characterized by ankylosis in extension, and the evidence does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The left long finger disability has been characterized by ankylosis in unfavorable position, which precludes any additional limitation of motion or functional impairment beyond what is already reflected in the current 10% rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Long Finger Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 1, 2016
- Citation
- 1645151
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 1645151.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right shoulder bursitis, right foot disability, bilateral hearing loss, and other hand disabilities, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment as of November 1, 2020. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for this period.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected left index finger disability, left long finger disability, and left hand scars were denied. The evidence showed arthritis with painful motion in the affected fingers and scars on the hands.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues except service connection for sinusitis, which was dismissed. The remaining appeals were also dismissed as the Veteran expressed satisfaction with his current combined disability rating.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the reduction from a 20 percent rating to a noncompensable rating for limitation of motion of the left thumb was improper. The Veteran's appeal is now remanded for further evaluation and consideration.
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