The Veteran's right middle finger disability is rated at the maximum available evaluation (10%). The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or moderate paralysis, and thus a higher rating for his right middle finger disability is not warranted. For his left shoulder disability, the Board noted that there was no indication of chronicity within one year following service separation, and therefore presumptive service connection cannot be established. Service connection for the left shoulder disability is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's current degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder did not manifest to a compensable degree within the one-year presumptive period following service discharge, and thus presumptive service connection cannot be established.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Left Shoulder, Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Middle Finger
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 6, 2018
- Citation
- 1807475
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 1807475.
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 Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and TDIU is granted.
- Granted
Service connection for PTSD is granted. Increased ratings are granted for IVDS with degenerative arthritis and vertebral fracture with bilateral thoracic radiculopathy of the ventral and dorsal ramus nerves, right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and left ankle pilon fracture residuals.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD was denied, and the Board found that his competency determination did not warrant a higher rating. The appeals for service connection of right shoulder, left shoulder, and lumbar spine disabilities were remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.
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.