The Veteran's initial rating for limitation of motion of the right index finger from January 24, 2014 is denied as he is already receiving the maximum schedular rating.,The Veteran's initial compensable rating for limitation of motion of the right ring finger from October 24, 2017 is denied as there is no evidence of impairment prior to this date and the current rating is the maximum possible under Diagnostic Code 5230.,The issue of an initial compensable rating for right hand injury prior to January 24, 2014 remains in appellate status due to a separate award of service connection for limitation of motion of the right ring finger from October 24, 2017. The Veteran's claim is still considered on appeal.,The issue of an initial compensable rating for limitation of motion of the right long finger from January 24, 2014 remains in appellate status as there are no indications of amputation or ankylosis and the current rating is the maximum possible under Diagnostic Code 5230.,The issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for limitation of motion of the right thumb from January 24, 2014 remains in appellate status as there are no indications of amputation or ankylosis and the current rating is the maximum possible under Diagnostic Code 5230.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability ratings for his service-connected conditions have reached their maximum schedular ratings, and additional evidence does not support a higher rating.,There is no evidence of impairment prior to October 24, 2017, and the current noncompensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5230 is the maximum possible.,The Veteran's right hand injury claim remains in appellate status as it was separately awarded service connection for limitation of motion of the right ring finger from October 24, 2017. The Veteran's original claim for his right hand disability is still considered on appeal.,There are no indications of amputation or ankylosis and the current noncompensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5230 is the maximum possible.,There are no indications of amputation or ankylosis and the current noncompensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5230 is the maximum possible.
- Claimed conditions
- limitation of motion of the right index finger, limitation of motion of the right ring finger, right hand injury prior to January 24, 2014, limitation of motion of the right long finger, limitation of motion of the right thumb
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 7, 2019
- Citation
- 19161246
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,456 · Granted: 23% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19161246.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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: Denied
The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because he did not submit a completed VA Form 21-8940 to support his application, and there is no indication in the evidence of record that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his depressive disorder and various finger disabilities, have caused significant functional impairment that has prevented him from obtaining substantially gainful employment prior to March 19, 2021. The Board granted an extraschedular TDIU rating based on these factors.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification regarding the Veteran's educational background and work history, as well as potential interrelated claims involving TDIU.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that discontinuance of VR&E services based on a negative feasibility determination was proper due to the Veteran's significant physical health issues and extensive limitations in his activities. The appeal is denied.
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