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
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
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