The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for tendonitis of the right middle finger with enlargement of the flexor tendon proximal to the proximal interphalangeal joint of the right ring finger was granted, but his claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied.
The deciding factor: The July 2011 VA examination confirmed the Veteran's current condition as Dupuytren's contracture of the right ring finger, which led to decreased dexterity and range of motion. The examiner noted no other symptoms related to his right ring finger such as stiffness, swelling, redness or flare up of joint pains.
- Claimed conditions
- Dupuytren's contracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 13, 2017
- Citation
- 1726947
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1726947.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Dupuytren's contracture and degenerative arthritis of the right hand, but remanded the issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Veteran's limitation of index finger due to right hand Dupuytren's contracture has been rated at 10 percent since the beginning of the appeal period. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted as the condition does not meet criteria for more severe stages or other diagnostic codes.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an earlier effective date and a rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected anxiety disorder, depression, and chronic sleep impairment is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal during the Board hearing.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for left hand surgery (Dupuytren's contracture) due to insufficient evidence and procedural errors.
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