The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right wrist degenerative joint disease (DJD), finding that the conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed no ankylosis or other functional impairment that would warrant a higher rating, and the Veteran's DJD was rated under the appropriate diagnostic code for wrist disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- left wrist degenerative joint disease (DJD), right wrist degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 23, 2019
- Citation
- 19156238
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 19156238.
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 granted service connection for multiple degenerative joint diseases of the right and left wrist, knee, shoulder, elbow, and hip, including as secondary to a lumbar spine disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has withdrawn the appeal for right wrist DJD and remanded other service connection claims due to new evidence or changes in circumstances.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for left wrist DJD and remanded the issue of service connection for residuals of TBI.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's left wrist degenerative joint disease is service-connected as it developed due to trauma sustained during combat in May 1975.
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