The Veteran's right hand strain was granted an initial rating of 10 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The left ankle sprain with tarsal tunnel syndrome, status post-surgery, was granted an initial rating of 20 percent for the period prior to June 13, 2016, and a 20 percent rating for the period from June 13, 2016. The Veteran's hemorrhoids were denied as not compensable, and TDIU was denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s right hand strain met the criteria for an initial noncompensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5229 due to pain and locking resulting in functional impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Right hand strain, Left ankle sprain with tarsal tunnel syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 2, 2020
- Citation
- 20022804
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 20022804.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's right wrist and hand disabilities, including CTS, and service. The VA examiner is requested to provide opinions on whether these conditions are related to service or secondary to a service-connected left wrist disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right arm condition, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The claims of entitlement to initial compensable evaluations for left fifth finger strain, an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for left fifth finger strain, and service connection for right hand strain, right fingers condition, and bilateral wrist conditions are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right hand strain with little finger PIP flexion contracture, right long finger strain, and right thumb strain have been granted separate 10 percent ratings. The right hand strain is not rated higher due to ankylosis of the little finger.
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