The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right middle finger disability is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and testing, including imaging studies. The examiner must also evaluate any associated peripheral neuropathy.
The deciding factor: The VA examination did not include necessary diagnostic tests as instructed by the Board in previous remands.
- Claimed conditions
- Right middle finger disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 16, 2020
- Citation
- 20047602
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 20047602.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 service connection for all the claimed conditions as there was no evidence of a current disability in accordance with VA standards.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to the VA's failure to obtain relevant private treatment records. The appellant is entitled to a compensable disability rating for his right middle finger disability and service connection for hypertension, but these claims must be returned to the AOJ for additional efforts to locate the necessary medical evidence.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found a pre-decisional error and has ordered the case to be remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's right middle finger disability is related to his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right middle finger disability was caused by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill or similar instance of fault on the part of VA in furnishing treatment. As a result, the Veteran is entitled to compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for this condition.
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.