The Board has determined that the Veteran's right long finger disability results in ankylosis of the digit, but does not limit motion of other digits or interfere with overall hand function. Therefore, a rating in excess of 10 percent is denied for this condition.
The deciding factor: The May 2015 VA examination found ankylosis of both right long finger joints in full flexion and limited extension by 30 degrees or more. The examiner noted no limitation of motion in other digits, normal muscle strength, and that the Veteran's hand function was not so diminished as to be equally served by amputation.
- Claimed conditions
- laceration and rupture of the flexion tendon of the right middle finger, fracture of the right patella, arthritis of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 27, 2018
- Citation
- 1818369
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 1818369.
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 Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the right and left knees, finding that it is at least as likely as not that these conditions developed due to the Veteran's active military service.,No new evidence or exposure basis was provided in this decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and patellofemoral syndrome. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for arthritis of the left knee and right knee to ensure compliance with a Joint Motion for Partial Remand from the Court.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including residuals of a head injury, bilateral hearing loss, neck disability, gout of the right ankle, unspecified trauma or stress related disorder, tinnitus, and other musculoskeletal issues.
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.