The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's left fifth finger disability, including an examination to assess its severity and functional impairment. The issue of service connection for a left hand disability is referred back to the AOJ.
The deciding factor: The decision was remanded due to the need for further evaluation of the Veteran's left fifth finger disability, specifically regarding its impact on his hand function and whether amputation would be equally well-served by an alternative treatment option.
- Claimed conditions
- Left fifth finger disability
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 31, 2020
- Citation
- 20008495
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 20008495.
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 claim for an initial compensable rating for a left fifth finger disability is denied as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation based on functional impairment or amputation.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar strain, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability are denied as there is no clear evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The claim for left shoulder disability is granted, while the claim for left fifth finger disability remains pending due to lack of sufficient evidence.
- Denied
The Veteran's left fifth finger disability is not rated compensably due to the lack of evidence showing unfavorable ankylosis or amputation.
- Partly granted
The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a left fifth finger disability, as the provided evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.
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.