The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for residuals of left thumb fracture was denied. The current disability is rated at 10 percent based on limitation of motion, with less than two inches between the thumb pad and the fingers.
The deciding factor: The most recent VA examination showed that there was no gap between the thumb pad and the fingers, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as per Diagnostic Code 5228. The Veteran's disability picture reflects amputation due to pain but without additional loss of range of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- left thumb fracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 26, 2019
- Citation
- 19189571
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 19189571.
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: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for his left thumb disability and a compensable rating for the associated scar was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and lack of information regarding flare-ups. The Veteran's left thumb disability, including her scar, needs further evaluation.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for his left thumb fracture is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the January 2016 VA examination report and the need for updated treatment records.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeals for various conditions, including left thumb fracture, lumbar and cervical spine conditions, right shoulder and knee conditions, ankle and foot conditions, and GERD are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.
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