The Board has granted service connection for a polyarticular deformity of the right fifth finger, finding that it initially manifested in service and is related to an in-service wart removal. The Veteran's current condition persists despite previous treatment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right fifth finger deformity was first noted during service when she had a wart hyfrecated from her right little finger, which later developed into a severe mallet deformity requiring surgery. This initial manifestation of the condition in service is sufficient to establish service connection under direct service connection criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- polyarticular deformity of the right fifth finger
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 17, 2019
- Citation
- 19194449
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,240 · Granted: 28% (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 19194449.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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).
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