The Veteran's right index finger and long fingers are rated at noncompensable levels due to normal range of motion and no gaps between the fingertip and the proximal transverse crease. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating as his condition does not meet the criteria for ankylosis or amputation.,The Veteran's right ring finger is also rated at noncompensable levels due to normal range of motion and no gaps between the fingertip and the proximal transverse crease. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating as his condition does not meet the criteria for ankylosis or amputation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right index finger, long finger, and ring finger do not have any gaps between the fingertip and the proximal transverse crease of the hand on maximal flexion. Therefore, they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5229.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Arthritis of the right index finger","severity":"Noncompensable"}, {"condition_name":"Arthritis of the right long finger","severity":"Noncompensable"}, {"condition_name":"Arthritis of the right ring finger","severity":"Noncompensable"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 26, 2019
- Citation
- 19165942
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 19165942.
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
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