The Veteran's left thumb degenerative joint disease was previously rated at 10 percent, and the Board has now remanded for a new examination to determine if his condition warrants an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not fully satisfy the requirements of 38 C.F.R. § 4.59, Correia v. McDonald, and Sharp v. Shulkin, as they did not specify whether active and passive motion were tested or whether the results provided were weight-bearing or non-weight-bearing, nor did they address functional impacts due to repetitive use over time or flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- left thumb degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 11, 2020
- Citation
- 20060003
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 20060003.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The claim for service connection for left thumb degenerative joint disease was dismissed due to an erroneous docketing of the appeal and no final rating decision having been issued.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, right foot strain with degenerative arthritis, and left thumb degenerative joint disease. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service complaints and subsequent diagnoses.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of left thumb degenerative joint disease remains pending. The Board has found substantial compliance with the remand directives regarding the left thumb appeal, but TDIU is still being addressed due to the need for additional VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for higher disability evaluation of his left thumb degenerative joint disease is remanded due to incomplete examination. The TDIU issue is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the initial rating 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.