The Veteran's initial ratings for the right wrist, index finger, and long finger were denied. A separate rating of 10 percent was granted for decreased grip strength of the right hand.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support higher ratings based on service connection or other criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Wrist, Right Index Finger, Right Long Finger, Right Ring Finger, Right Little Finger
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 30, 2018
- Citation
- 18154844
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 18154844.
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 Board has granted earlier effective dates of January 21, 2015 for the Veteran's claims related to his right thumb, left thumb, right index finger, left index finger, right long finger, and left long finger. The Board also granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right thumb disability is currently rated at 10 percent and the claim for an increased rating has been denied.,The Veteran's right index finger disability is currently rated at 10 percent and the claim for an increased rating has been denied.,The Veteran's right long finger disability is currently rated at 10 percent and the claim for an increased rating has been denied.,The Veteran's right ring finger disability is currently rated at 0 percent (noncompensable) and the claim for an increased rating has been denied.,The Veteran's right little finger disability is currently rated at 0 percent (noncompensable) and the claim for an increased rating has been denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected right wrist and left knee disabilities prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment starting from June 1, 2011.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including his right knee, left knee, low back, right wrist, finger, and TMJ disorders. The claims are being remanded for further development.
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