The Veteran's left hand disability, including Dupuytren's contracture and a previous tendon repair, was evaluated as noncompensable prior to September 13, 2013; 10 percent from that date until March 25, 2016; and 40 percent thereafter. The highest rating available under the applicable diagnostic codes is assigned.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left hand disability was evaluated based on its impact on muscle strength and motion, with no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Dupuytren's contracture, left ring finger tendon repair
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 14, 2018
- Citation
- 1816045
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 1816045.
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 service connection for Dupuytren's contracture and degenerative arthritis of the right hand, but remanded the issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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