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 assigned
- None in this 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 vetted 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 19161246.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.