The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the residuals status post multiple reconstructive surgeries of the right hand secondary to a laceration with reflex sympathetic dystrophy was denied. The effective date is not specified.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support an increase beyond the current 10% rating assigned under DC 5215, as the Veteran's disability level and symptomatology were consistent with this rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Multiple reconstructive surgeries of the right hand, Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18119616
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 18119616.
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 nerve damage, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and mild flexor tendonitis following cryotherapy treatment were found to be a qualifying additional disability due to the lack of proper informed consent provided by VA. As such, he is granted benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran died from anoxic brain injury due to aspiration of vomit while under the influence of multiple medications taken for chronic pain, which as likely as not resulted from service-connected reflex sympathetic dystrophy. The Board finds that service connection is granted for the cause of death.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected left ankle, right ankle, and adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features have been granted increased evaluations. The left ankle disability is rated at 20 percent from April 4, 2007, the right ankle disability at 30 percent from that date, and the adjustment disorder at 50 percent.
- Whole decision: Denied
The veteran's left wrist disability, which includes post-operative fusion and reflex sympathetic dystrophy following carpal tunnel release, has been rated at 40 percent since November 1996. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as his condition is currently manifested by severe incomplete paralysis of the median nerve.
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