The Veteran's right wrist strain and left wrist residuals, status post ORIF surgery have not resulted in ankylosis of either wrist. The initial ratings for these conditions remain denied.,The Veteran's right hand residuals, status post right thumb ORIF surgery and left hand residuals, status post left radial ORIF surgery, have not resulted in a gap of one to two inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm.) between the thumb pad and the fingers with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers. The initial ratings for these conditions remain denied.,The Veteran's essential bilateral hand tremors has resulted in moderate disability. An initial compensable rating is granted, but no higher rating is warranted based on current evidence.,No effective date claims are before the Board as they were previously remanded and not appealed.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show symptomatology warranting ratings in excess of 10 percent for the right and left wrist disorders, or any higher rating for the hand disabilities. The Veteran's essential bilateral hand tremors are characterized as moderate disability.,The evidence does not show symptomatology warranting a rating higher than 10 percent for the right and left hand disabilities. The Veteran's essential bilateral hand tremors are characterized as moderate disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Right wrist strain, Left wrist residuals, status post open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery, Right hand residuals, status post right thumb ORIF surgery, Left hand residuals, status post left radial ORIF surgery, Essential bilateral hand tremors
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20026505
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 20026505.
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 primary, open-angle glaucoma and right wrist strain were evaluated. The rating for the glaucoma was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes or visual impairment. The rating for the right wrist strain was also denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's injuries sustained in a June 2021 motorcycle accident were not incurred in line of duty due to his own willful misconduct, and therefore, service connection for all claimed conditions is denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for right wrist strain, service connection for bilateral hearing loss and TBI, and dismissed the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for a right knee disability, right hip disability, right hand disability, and right wrist disability on a direct basis.
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.