The Veteran's right hand disability has resulted in impairment consistent with a moderately severe muscle injury, and the Board granted an initial rating of 20 percent for this condition. The claim was denied for special monthly compensation (SMC) as there is no anatomical loss or loss of use of one hand.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right hand disability resulted in impairment consistent with a moderately severe muscle injury, which warranted a 20% rating under Diagnostic Code 5308. The claim for SMC was denied because the Veteran did not have complete loss of use of his hand.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Hand Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 17, 2018
- Citation
- 18103101
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18103101.
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 Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and dismissed his appeals regarding increased ratings for tinnitus and a right hand disability due to lack of timely filing of Notice of Disagreement.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the current evidence is insufficient to establish service connection for the Veteran's claimed disabilities, and thus remands the claims for further development.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is granted, and he is awarded separate initial 10 percent ratings for left hand strain with painful index finger motion and long finger motion. The claims for other disabilities are remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for right knee, right foot/ankle, left hand, and right hand disabilities to correct a duty to assist error by obtaining new VA examinations and opinions.
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